Castine clinic pauses campaign, explores alternatives
The Castine Community Hospital Corporation has served the area for nearly 100 years. Drawing courtesy of CCHC.
By the Castine Community Hospital Corporation
As is evident from both news reports and personal experiences, lack of clarity about the direction and availability of healthcare services in this country continues. Uncertainties are increased in rural communities such as ours. For that reason, the Castine Community Hospital Corporation (CCHC) recently paused its capital campaign for renovation and has begun to explore ways to ensure continued access to medical care in our area. The CCHC would like to update the public on its activities in this regard.
The connection with Northern Light, which rents space in the clinic from the CCHC, is ongoing. At the same time the board is researching alternative provider networks as well as exploring other healthcare options. As part of this effort, and after conversations with Maine Maritime Academy, CCHC has contracted with IEN Risk Management (IEN) to study the viability of a Community Owned Health Plan (COHP) for our area.
Existing COHPs that we have examined indicate that this is a viable option to review. IEN is committed to a thorough investigation of our area’s health needs and resources. They will be talking with individuals along with representatives of key stakeholders—Maine Maritime Academy and other local employers, school districts, and town offices—to understand our requirements and available healthcare assets. We anticipate IEN will take approximately three months to produce an outline of costs, operations, insurance interfaces, and secondary services, and will provide the information necessary to determine what a COHP would mean for each of us.
IEN will also look into the creation of a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, either as part of a COHP or as an independent entity. A DPC is a relatively new healthcare model where patients pay their primary care providers or practices directly with more providers sharing the patient load. Access to a DPC is typically based on a monthly or annual fee paid to the practice, allowing patients to deal directly with the practice and provider for their primary care. The DPC negotiates with specialty medical services on behalf of patients when more advanced care may be needed. Individuals would retain their private medical insurance or Medicare and Supplementary Insurance for non-primary care services. Communities served by DPCs have seen overall costs decrease, access increase, and health outcomes improve. A number of DPC practices currently operate in Maine and our area, and this model will be part of our evaluation process. CCHC seeks a version of a DPC that would be available to all, not only those who can pay a fee.
Changes at the Castine Clinic may be difficult to think about; but what is clear is the need for evolution in how our health center serves its patients. CCHC’s commitment is deep and abiding. We all want the best possible medical resources for our community.
To learn more about various options under consideration and to ask questions of the board and consultants, we encourage you to attend the CCHC Annual Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m., at Emerson Hall in the Castine Town Office.
—The Castine Community Hospital Corporation, established in 1928, owns and maintains the Castine Community Health Center for the provision of medical care to the people of Castine, Penobscot, Orland, Brooksville, and surrounding areas.
