In 2009–2010, we asked: What is the real need for specialty care for the uninsured?  

The Pacific Hospital PDA commissioned two studies on this subject. Here’s what we learned:

• There are an estimated 87,000 people (ages 18–64) in King County who are uninsured and make less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. 
• We project that there is a need for 23,000-28,000 specialty referrals from safety net clinics for uninsured adult patients living in poverty.
• There is a high demand for certain specialties. The top 15 specialties account for 90 percent of the referrals. The top five specialties account for 55 percent of all likely referrals.
• We project a greater need for specialty care services in South King County and Seattle than other parts of King County. 
• Despite a higher level of anticipated demand in South King County, there are fewer specialty provider in South King County than there are in Seattle and East King County.

To help address the unmet need, the PHPDA directly funds access to care through a case management program (King County Project Access) and direct service provider (Pacific Medical Center) with grants totaling more than $2 million. These grants support the specialty care services these organizations provide for low-income, uninsured patients. Both organizations track the success rate of completing specialty care appointments for the uninsured patients referred.

In addition, the Pacific Hospital PDA supports sustainable efforts for change by working with key stakeholders around credible measures and the removal of barriers.

Better access for all patients results in improved health, lowered costs, and greater productivity in our communities.