TennCare and Findhelp Collaborate for Improved Care Delivery
Findhelp, a leading technology provider in public health, has initiated a transformative digital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing care coordination in Tennessee. This new system intends to benefit over 1.4 million TennCare Medicaid members, streamlining processes and improving health outcomes significantly.
Leveraging Technology for Efficient Care Coordination
The Tennessee Community Compass, powered by Findhelp, is a comprehensive platform that integrates various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. This includes TennCare, its health plans, healthcare providers, and community organizations, creating a cohesive network that facilitates referrals, service authorizations, data exchange, and payment workflows.
A Shift Towards Digital Transformation
This partnership signifies a major advancement in the digital transformation of public health systems. The initiative aligns with TennCare's Health Starts Initiative, which focuses on boosting operational efficiency while addressing non-medical factors affecting health outcomes.
Combatting Fragmentation in Services
Healthcare programs like Medicaid often grapple with the challenges of managing complex populations and outdated systems. With the implementation of the Tennessee Community Compass, the old manual processes give way to a unified platform that empowers care teams to:
- Identify health-related social needs
- Refer and authorize services effectively
- Securely share and receive data
- Monitor outcomes efficiently
- Compensate community organizations for their services
- Provide insightful reports on the overall impact
Establishing a Standardized Model for Integration
By utilizing this platform, TennCare and its affiliated health plans, such as BlueCare, Wellpoint (Elevance Health), and UnitedHealthcare, are on a path to create a repeatable framework for integrating social care into their existing workflows.
Enhancing Government Efficiency
Erine Gray, the Founder & CEO of Findhelp, emphasizes that this project transcends social care; it's also about promoting a smarter, more efficient government approach. The collaboration allows government systems to better meet the needs of communities through technology that enhances productivity and reduces unnecessary barriers.
Impact Observed in Early Stages
In just the first three months post-launch, the effects of this initiative are evident:
- 13,455 social needs screenings conducted for 10,442 members
- 4,031 referrals executed for 1,326 members, all monitored by the care team
Martha Dixon, Community Services Manager at Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency, praises the Community Compass, stating that it allows for effective assistance in areas like rental support, facilitated by incentive programs.
Promoting Collaboration Across Networks
In order to ensure effective and scalable coordination, Findhelp has formed three coalitions, tailored for each health plan, enabling them to connect seamlessly with their provider networks and service partners. This new system is designed to work in coherence with existing management and electronic health record platforms within TennCare, automatically aligning members with eligible services and minimizing administrative burdens.
Building Trust in Community Care
According to Jacy Warrell, CEO of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, the collaboration set between TennCare and Findhelp exemplifies a blend of advanced technology and community trust. This is crucial, especially for rural areas, as it fosters an efficient system that works for people and aligns seamlessly with governmental strategies.
A Model for Future Excellence
As various state agencies look for innovative solutions to modernize their service delivery systems, the partnership between TennCare and Findhelp serves as a blueprint for others. By enhancing internal processes and making them more efficient, care teams are free to focus on what truly matters: supporting residents.
Findhelp has fostered partnerships with over 650 leading entities across health plans, hospitals, government sectors, and nonprofits nationwide. In Tennessee, notable collaborations include Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Hospital, HCA Healthcare, and all three TennCare health plans.
About Findhelp
Founded in 2010, Findhelp is committed to fostering healthier communities by supporting the holistic needs of individuals. Their innovative software platform facilitates seamless connections between community organizations, government agencies, and businesses, ensuring that everyone receives the programs they require in a dignified manner. Their services encompass screening, referrals, outcome tracking, and providing actionable insights, all aimed at strengthening the social safety net.
About TennCare
TennCare is Tennessee’s managed care Medicaid program dedicated to offering health insurance to low-income groups, including pregnant women, children, caregivers, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. Covering around 1.4 million residents, TennCare operates with an annual budget close to $18.6 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the partnership between TennCare and Findhelp?
The partnership aims to enhance care coordination and improve health outcomes for TennCare Medicaid members across Tennessee.
What features does the Tennessee Community Compass provide?
The platform offers a centralized system for referrals, data exchange, tracking outcomes, and managing service authorizations among other functionalities.
How does this new system address fragmentation in healthcare?
It replaces outdated manual processes with a streamlined platform that connects various entities, ensuring efficient service delivery and coordination.
What outcomes have been seen since the platform's launch?
In the initial months, significant numbers of social needs screenings and referrals were reported, showcasing the platform's effectiveness.
What is Findhelp's focus in the broader context of community health?
Findhelp aims to connect individuals with essential services, ensuring that care is approachable and dignified, which is critical for building healthy communities.
