GOAL: Quality health care at Columbia Basin Health Association

For the past several years I have written a letter to the community about what is happening at the Columbia Basin Health Association. This year I would like to concentrate on quality.

Everyone has his or her own definition of high-quality health care. For some people, that definition revolves around whether they can go to the doctor of their choice. For others, it means access to specialty care.

The Institute of Medicine has defined quality health care as "safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable."

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines quality health care "as doing the right thing for the right patient, at the right time, in the right way to achieve the best possible results."

Whatever the definition, quality matters at the CBHA.

In December of 2014, the CBHA achieved Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Level 3 certification, the highest level possible, by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

The PCMH model is to make primary care more accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated; to improve patient outcomes; and to lower overall health care costs.

The PCMH model at the CBHA is based on a team approach that includes physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, dentists, optometrists and social workers.

In May of 2014 the CBHA was re-accredited by the Joint Commission for the fifth time since 2002. The accreditation process concentrates on operational systems critical to the safety and quality of patient care.

To earn and maintain accreditation, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team every three years. The objective of the survey is not only to evaluate the organization, but to provide education and guidance that will help staff continue to improve the organization's performance.

Fewer than 30 percent of all health care organizations nationally are accredited.

From July 15-17, 2014, the CBHA underwent an operational site visit by The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The HRSA is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care by strengthening the health care workforce, building healthy communities and achieving health equity.

The HRSA's programs provide health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable. Three surveyors evaluated our compliance with the 19 health center program requirements.

The HRSA reported that the CBHA passed all of the requirements with no findings. It commented that CBHA is a model of excellence in community and migrant health care.

We were also recognized for several best practices, including our implementation of technology, our facilities and marketing to both the English and Spanish speaking populations.

Best practices recognition included our clinical quality improvement program as it relates to our colorectal cancer screening project, our after-hours telephone triaging system, and our reader boards featuring the time of the next available appointment.

In December of 2014 the Department of Health and Human Services recognized the CBHA as a proven leader in our quality improvement initiatives, and of the 1,113 health centers that were recognized, the CBHA ranked 17th nationally.

The CBHA was recognized as a Health Center Quality Leader for being among the top 30 percent of all health centers that achieved the best overall clinical outcomes, demonstrating our ability to focus on quality in all aspects of our clinical operations.

The CBHA was recognized as one of only 57 health centers nationally to be designated as a National Quality Leader for exceeding national clinical benchmarks for chronic disease management, preventive care, and perinatal/prenatal care.

The CBHA was recognized for demonstrating at least a 10 percent improvement in clinical quality measures between 2012 and 2013.

The CBHA was one of only 332 health centers to be recognized for their use of electronic health records to report clinical quality measure data on all of their patients, a key transformational step in driving quality improvement.

The CBHA is always planning for the future. Many of you may already be aware that the CBHA has purchased a parcel of land south of Wahitis Elementary School in Othello.

We are just beginning a long range master planning process to determine future needs and how that land will best serve the medical and needs of our community.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the CBHA. On behalf of our governing board, administration and staff, I would like to wish you good health and happiness in 2015.