Chronic Care
PRHI has been dedicated to improving the delivery of chronic care since 2000, when it commissioned region-specific data on diabetes indicators for Southwestern Pennsylvania. Two working groups, representing multiple stakeholders, formed around Diabetes and Depression to study the data and take action. As they explored how to improve the delivery of care to people with those two conditions, they quickly discovered that the barriers to be removed were common to both disease states. By 2003 the two groups had combined into one: the Chronic Care Model Action Group. As PRHI has continued to explore effective means to bring the Pittsburgh area closer to the Chronic Care Model and a healthier population, efforts in 2007 turned to one of the most enduring barriers: the current payment system for healthcare delivery.
Jewish Healthcare Foundation grantee, Dr. Bruce Block is spearheading the design of a pilot to demonstrate sustainable improvements in the delivery of care for at least two chronic illnesses by testing specific changes to the current incentive system. By identifying and removing selected financial barriers to good chronic care, this small-scale demonstration will in turn inform regional and national incentive reform efforts.
Current Activities
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Past ActivitiesThe Pittsburgh Health Information Network (PHIN) The PHIN was an idea "ahead of its time" and the project was terminated in 2005. For a detailed report on this effort and what we learned from the process, read: The Pittsburgh Health Information Network (PHIN) Summary Report, Dr. Tania Lyon's report to the American Medical Association on the evolution of the Pittsburgh Health Information Network and its legacy. The story of the PHIN is one example of how a powerful network of parties committed to improving the health of a region was nevertheless unable to make headway in a data-sharing endeavor due to the uncertainties of the national policy environment. It highlights the grave need for speedy development of clearly delineated legal safeguards around data sharing. Appendices to The Pittsburgh Health Information Network (PHIN)Summary Report |
Why Chronic Care is critical 
Learn about Chronic Care Model
Chronic Care & Perfecting Patient Caresm