Background
HealthCare Partners had achieved high scores in all categories of the Consumer Assessment Survey, sponsored by the Pacific Business Group on Health. However, retention of commercial patients was a growing concern due to employer cutbacks in health insurance coverage.

Target Audiences
Group model and IPA patients.

Objective
To promote the group’s quality of care and to support its P4P initiatives.

Implementation
HealthCare Partners launched a quarterly patient newsletter, called Health Matters. The name tied in with a medical information resource that could be found on the company’s website, called “My Health Matters.” The newsletter served to promote HCP’s quality care initiatives, remind patients of the need for preventive care and testing, and educate patients on how to navigate the health care system.

Results
The newsletter is only one of many tools the company provided to its physicians to maintain high scores on its P4P initiatives. The company has seen significant and increasing financial rewards that come from its successful P4P performance.

Principals Involved: Toyomi Igus Simon with Wanda Colon and Lastra & Associates