Community Health Of Central Washington

Causes: Community Health Systems, Education, Graduate & Professional Schools, Health, Public Health

Mission: To establish and operate an institution for the provision of health care and treament for medically underserved and other needy people in the communities served and to establish and operate a program to train family physicians to care for medically underserved and other needy people.

Programs: Community health of central washington provides comprehensive primary care medical and dental services to underserved people in yakima and kittitas counties. Service is provided regardless of the ability to pay. Low income individuals and families may apply to receive services on a discounted fee basis. This year, chcw served 29,071 patients, resulting in 122,359 visits at our 5 medical clinics, 1 dental clinic, senior residential care services, our senior smiles and connect programs. Direct patient care - medical services are provided to the community in general by board certified physicians, family practice residents, employed mid-level providers (physicians assistants and nurse practitioners), and certified nursing staff. Provision of care is rendered under the direction of the medical director. Medical services include acute primary care (family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics), preventive care, obstetrics, gynecology, primary care procedures, minor surgeries, behavioral health, vaccinations and health consultations. Services are provided in the clinic, hospital, nursing home, and home settings. Oral health is provided to the community in general by board certified dentists and an employed hygienist. Ancillary services - ancillary services include diagnostic laboratory, radiology and pharmacy. Ancillary services are provided on-site for a more comprehensive, efficient provision of care. Laboratory services are sub-contracted to paml, a certified laboratory company. Chcw employs a licensed radiology technician who provides radiology services and employs licensed pharmacists and technicians who provide pharmacy services. Chcw is the sole provider of wic and maternity support services in kittitas county. Support services - support services include billing, administration, referral coordination, patient education and medical records. These services are not reimbursable but provided for the benefit of patients in the course of providing patient services. Employed staff provide all support services.

this year, chcw had 30 residents and graduated 10 family physicians. Supervisory teaching of residents - residents provide medical services to patients under the direct supervision of faculty. Faculty review residents' assessment of complaint and treatment plans and provide feedback to residents. The purpose is to further residents' medical skills and to ensure quality of care. Supervision occurs in the clinic, hospital and other settings. Direct resident teaching - direct teaching includes presentations, didactics, speakers, small group discussions, lectures, and hands-on workshops. Direct teaching is designed to further biomedical, psychosocial, and practical knowledge in a classroom and/or interactive setting. Direct resident teaching meets the accreditation requirements outlined by the american college of graduate medical education and the american osteopathic association. Most direct educational activities occur in the clinic and hospital setting by faculty and are provided by invited guests. Resident advising - each resident is assigned a faculty advisor. Advisors provide feedback on resident knowledge and performance, information resources, career counseling, and other areas of advice as it affects residents' success within the program. Residents and advisors meet on an interim basis throughout their academic program. Resident supervision and observation at non-clinic sites - residents rotate to non-chcw sites to observe and learn from providers in medical and surgical specialties. Residents interact under the direct supervision of the attending specialist for purposes of furthering residents' medical knowledge and experience.