Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/224718
Some of the indicators I see as most important for physicians aren't traditional health metrics at all. One is the low educational attainment in many sectors of the county. For example, in four of the eight county sectors cited in the CHA report, fewer than half the residents have any education beyond high school. And in those same sectors, more than a quarter of all families with children live below the poverty line. That sets up generational cycles in which poverty and low education perpetuate themselves to diminish the prospects for future health and well-being. To break those cycles, we should do everything we can to lift educational attainment across all areas of Bexar County. Another insight comes from the profound disparities in morbidity and mortality across so many conditions. Those disparities point to the common struggles that patients face regardless of their specific disease or condition: gaining access to care, having adequate opportunities for healthy living patterns and becoming educated about how to manage their illnesses. So, seeing the persistent disparities reminds me to always think about patients in the context of their daily lives. What extra help does this person need? What resources can I help him access? In the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, we'll use the CHA data to understand the social determinants and major health problems in the areas where our patients live. For example, I was struck by the very low rates of healthy eating patterns and will be addressing that in my department though our community outreach We're working now on plans to promote healthy diets in the context of shared family meals — something to nourish the spirit as well as the body. Physicians are an important component of the CHA and CHIP processes. Each CHA collects public comments through community meetings where physicians have an opportunity to share their observations about the communities in which they live or work. As development of the next CHIP begins this fall, physicians also can become involved in any of the priority area workgroups. Investing time in the CHA and CHIP is a valuable contribution in the health of our community. The Bexar County CHA is a signature project of THC, a convening organization bringing together the area's healthcare systems, community organizations and businesses to solve the region's critical community health needs. The 2013 assessment is the fifth in a series issued by THC since 1998. The assessment is available at http://healthcollaborative.net. THC members include Appddiction Studio, Baptist Health System, Bexar County Department of Community Resources, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, Community First Health Plans, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Methodist Healthcare System, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio Metro Health District, University Health System, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Family and Community Medicine, WellMed Medical Management, Inc. and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. ■ You're thinking: Reimbursement cuts from payors, Supplementing income by offering ancillary services, Shrinking revenues We're thinking: Practice assessment, Tax implications and options for providing ancillary services Revenue enhancement opportunities 7550 IH-10 West, Suite 1200, San Antonio, Texas 78229 210.384.8000 | www.ssacpa.com mDNewS.COm ■ MD News San Antonio | 13