New York State Department of Health Memorandum - Draft Medicaid Primary Care Standards

June 9, 2008

From

  • Richard F. Daines, M.D.
    Commissioner of Health
  • Deborah Bachrach
    Deputy Commissioner of Health & Medicaid Director

Subject

Draft Medicaid Primary Care Standards / Comments Due by August 8, 2008

The Department of Health has embarked on a multi-year, multi-pronged strategy to address the State's high rates of avoidable hospitalizations and to improve access to and the quality of primary and preventive care for all New Yorkers. As part of this strategy, Medicaid has determined to require primary care clinicians, in both office settings and clinics, to meet minimal standards of practice as of January 2009.

A draft of these primary care standards, some of which are taken from existing standards contained in Medicaid managed care contracts or from primary care residency requirements, are attached for comment. In particular, we are seeking input as follows:

  • Are these the 'right' baseline standards for Medicaid to require? That is, are they likely to improve the quality, continuity, and coordination of primary care for Medicaid members? If not, what standards should be added or deleted? Please explain your reasoning.
  • Are most providers presently able to meet these standards? Are there some standards that should be delayed; and, if so, for how long?
  • Do some of these standards require additional clarification? If so, please elaborate.

We appreciate the expertise that you and/or your organization contribute to informing this critical initiative. Please address your comments to Foster Gesten, MD, Medical Director, Office of Health Insurance Programs at fcg01@health.state.ny.us by August 8, 2008.