IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF PRIMARY-CARE HEALTH CENTERS

This article presents findings from a national demonstration program t o improve the long-term financial viability of small not-for-profit pr imary care health centers. The program initiatives and their implement ation are described in some detail. A standard pre/post study design w as used to measure the impact of the initiatives on general outcome me asures, financial ratios, and the utilization of management techniques . Overall, demonstration centers showed improvement over the study per iod. Notable short-term improvements included significant growth in th e volume of patient visits and increased profit. Observed changes also revealed an increased use of sophisticated management techniques, exp ected to positively affect longer-term financial health. The findings suggest that improving the financial viability of health centers need not be expensive.