The unmet need for specialty care services for the uninsured in our community is critical. The 2007 Referral Systems Study, estimated that there were 15,000 residents in Seattle/King County in need of access to specialty care. Additional study revealed that for more than 7400 referrals (58.3%) there was little or no documentation on whether the patient was ever seen by a specialist after referral.

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.