Can care coordinators answer access problems predicted for primary care?

As more people become eligible for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, the question of access will become paramount. Missed appointments can have a three-fold negative effect, hitting provider revenue, affecting the health of patients who miss appointments, and limiting access for other patients who could have filled missed slots. They're a self-serve society, but it doesn't translate to healthcare, says Lynne McCabe, director of the community care coordination program at Mercy Health in Cincinnati, OH. Patients need someone to help them navigate. Fortunately, a handful of studies and pilots show promise for the personal touch to not only help patients make appointments but also to raise awareness of the importance of managing chronic conditions to improve overall health. McCabe says the pilot showed that a personal touch with high-risk patients means that patients are more connected to their care.