Schwimmer Script Blog
Improving Health Care Is About Complexity — and Courage
On a recent walk, I listened to my new favorite health policy podcast, Tradeoffs, by journalist Dan Gorenstein. Through engaging interviews and deep dives, Gorenstein demystifies the complicated and costly world of health care. Think The Big Short, but for health care topics. Episodes range from States’ Uphill Battle to Stop Runaway Health Care…Read More…
Making Contraceptive Care More Accessible for All
At the Quality Institute, we believe everyone has the right to make safe, well-informed decisions about their reproductive health. For years, New Jersey has been a leader in supporting access to contraception and reproductive health care. But more must be done to not only increase awareness of these rights, but to make access more equitable….Read More…
Momentous Gift and Collaboration Will Advance Geriatric Care and Research in New Jersey
As a Trustee of Parker Health Group, it gives me great pride to share news about the organization’s recent charitable gift and collaboration with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Parker will give $18.8 million to the medical school to support research and education focused on senior care. Parker is a member of the Quality…Read More…
New CMS Model Provides New Jersey with Opportunity to Elevate Primary Care
Posted June 28, 2023New CMS Model Provides New Jersey with Opportunity to Elevate Primary Care
At the Quality Institute, we have long championed alternative payment models that support high-quality and comprehensive primary care. We have another opportunity to improve the health of our state now that the CMS Innovation Center has selected New Jersey to participate in a potentially transformative model of care. New Jersey is one of just…Read More…
Medicaid Payment Parity in Primary Care Improves Health Outcomes and Equity
For primary care, the state’s Medicaid program pays doctors, nurses, and midwives about half the rate that Medicare pays. The policy of paying half as much for the same service is inequitable and reduces access to high quality primary care for more than two million of our state’s residents. These lower reimbursement rates are…Read More…
Quality Institute Membership Gathers to Advance Greater Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care
At our Spring All Council Conference last week, we brought together leaders working to integrate mental health and primary care. Integrating care has always been a goal for the Quality Institute, and the need is even greater now with the post-pandemic demand for mental health services in addition to people catching up on unmet physical…Read More…
First-in-the-Nation Mental Health First Aid Training Customized for Perinatal Community Health Care Workers
At the Quality Institute, several of our staff members are trained trainers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which is sometimes dubbed “CPR for mental health.” We’ve been training people throughout the state to recognize and help those experiencing a mental health crisis. Attendees range from police and fire officials to teachers, school staff, and…Read More…
Addressing Mental Health Through More Holistic Care
Mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing. When someone is unable to function at their full capability due to stress, anxiety, or other cognitive conditions, it impacts their health, relationships, ability to perform a job, to take care of others … every aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, our existing health systems…Read More…
Conversation of Your Life (COYL) Observes Healthcare Decisions Day
Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16th of each year. The day exists to raise awareness around the importance of having conversations and planning if you have a serious illness or medical emergency and can’t speak for yourself about your preferences for life-sustaining care. At the Quality Institute, we’re using the occasion to kick off…Read More…