WORTHINGTON, IN | By Andrew Christman, Staff Writer | Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Greene County Health, Inc., recently announced it is one step closer to becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center.
The clinic was recently awarded with a Look-a-Like Status (LAL), which puts Greene County Health, Inc. at the same standard of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The change has been taking place over the past two years, according to Corianne Vanderkolk, Clinical Director.
“We went through a lengthy application, which included a review of the hours and services we provide,” Vanderkolk said. “HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) then came and reviewed all six of our locations.”
By obtaining LAL status, Vanderkolk said the organization will receive greater reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid.
“It essentially gives us more funding, which will allow us to offer better access and services,” she said.
According to the press release, “Earning FQHC status can make rural health care facilities more viable, providing more local choices for patients, and promoting better health outcomes for the population.”
By obtaining LAL status, Vanderkolk stated the organization will be in a better standing to apply for FQHC status, which is a long term goal.
“We will be continuing with the process of becoming a FQHC when openings are made available,” she said.
Greene County General Hospital CEO Brenda Reetz congratulated the clinic in a press release.
“This has been several years in the making, and I congratulate the team at Greene County Health, Inc. and their board for persevering in this effort. While the hospital is no longer part of the management of the clinic, we work in close partnership. This look-alike status will mean that we can all look forward to a stronger, more stable network of health care providers for Greene County,” said Reetz.
Share this Post
