Both the Wichita and the U.S. health care delivery systems are in a state of transition
like never before. In the last year, we have experienced some of the following changes to our health care environment: spirited debate of
health care reform at the national level, continued rise in health care costs, increased number of uninsured as our economy continues to
struggle, shifts in hospital contractual alignments, growth of the Wichita Business Coalition on Health Care (WBCHC), and the emergence of
the Wichita Health Information Exchange. Reactions from consumers, employers and providers across the board reflect a level of dissatisfaction
with our current state of affairs. Momentum for a “localized” version of health care reform is clearly growing.
In our opinion, these observations point toward an undeniable need for change. As physicians directly engaged in the delivery of care,
we recognize our role in the process. We also firmly believe that physicians have an essential leadership role to play, in partnership
with employers, consumers and payors, to improve our health care environment. Ultimately, we believe this kind of partnership holds the
greatest likelihood to achieve sustainable reform in our local medical trade region.
WBCHC employers have clearly expressed a desire to participate in meaningful deliberation for change with physicians and we are ready to
join them, thus, the purpose of this letter.
Today, we are announcing the formation of the ProviDRs Care Network Physicians for Change Task Force. As you may know, ProviDRs Care
Network is the physician-managed PPO under the Medical Society of Sedgwick County. This new task force is composed of experienced,
respected physicians who are committed to exploring how the role of the physician can contribute to the numerous efforts currently
underway to improve health care access, cost and quality in Wichita.
Members of the ProviDRs Care Network Physicians for Change Task Force recognize the desire to improve the quality of patient care
and to increase the value of health care expenditures. We believe this can best be achieved through direct dialogue with employers and
in conjunction with the WBCHC.
Working together, and with other members of WBCHC, the committee intends to seriously explore several real options for change in our community, including:
- Medical Home Model
- Prometheus Payment Model
- Care Coordination Implementation
We think these concepts, and others, provide the basis for significant change in our local health care environment.. From this process of engagement,
we intend to propose a plan of action for Wichita by September 1, 2010.
It is time for strong leadership to guide our community toward a common goal for better patient health and a better health care delivery system.
The ProviDRs Care Network Physicians for Change Task Force is willing to help make this goal a reality.
The following are members of the Physicians for Change Task Force:
Michael Bates, M.D.
Charles Craig, M.D.
Joe Davison, M.D.
Hugh Ekengren, M.D.
Linda Francisco, M.D.
Bart A. Grelinger, M.D.
Steve Hutchinson, M.D.
Jerry Niernberger, D.O.
Terry Poling, M.D.
Ron Brown, M.D.
