I want to give an update on some vital work started early this year.

PeaceHealth's Bridge Assistance charity program is a key foundation of our mission to provide medical care to our most vulnerable patients.  It was created to serve our uninsured patients for urgent or emergent services, yet over the last several years has grown to encompass a vast array of services with little oversight or organization.

The vision and strategy for the Bridge Program re-design has been created with a staged roll-out of a new prior authorization process as the first phase. Prior authorization enables us to review all requested high-dollar imaging, therapies and procedures to ensure that only those meeting medical necessity by evidenced-based criteria are performed.  (See list of treatments not covered.)

This work also coincides with our preparation for the upcoming healthcare exchanges, Medicaid expansion and our Community Health Needs Assessment planning.  Since the roll-out of our new prior authorization process in February, we have realized a savings of over $600,000 in charges for procedures that could be safely delayed or were not medically indicated. 

It's important to note that the impetus for change has nothing to do with our current budget challenges. The work was started several months ago and is intended to ensure that we're making the most of our resources for the most vulnerable in our communities.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Eleen Kirman for her leadership on this program. And thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact me or Dr. Kirman.