Question originally asked by Louisiana Resident

This plan, that is still awaiting comment and approval by the federal government, will improve the health of New Orleans-area residents by making several key improvements.

First, the plan envisions a network of neighborhood clinics and primary care doctors that will emphasize better preventive services as well as more coordinated management of care for people with chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes. This medical home system will allow all people in the area more convenient access to doctors and nurses including provisions for care beyond normal working hours to ensure better access to services outside of emergency rooms.

The use of electronic health records will allow all health care providers in the network to have health information about a specific patient right at their fingertips. This will help make care safer and make it easier for patients because they will have fewer forms to complete each time they visit the doctor. In addition, the plan also has several key features that will ensure high-quality care no matter what neighborhood clinic a person chooses

Second, the plan also seeks to provide insurance coverage for all residents of the region. Although this is costly, if it is approved, many people who currently are uninsured will have the ability to get either a full or partial subsidy for health care coverage.

If approved, and if it is affordable, the Department of Health and Hospitals intends to use this as a model for the rest of the state.

Answered by Dr. Fred Cerise, Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals Secretary. Filed under Post-Hurricane Healthcare

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