Bluebird Kids Health is addressing the growth of “pediatric care deserts” by opening retail clinics in underserved Florida communities. The company has partnered with Medicaid to provide value-based care, focusing on prevention and early intervention to improve outcomes for patients. Chris Johnson, Bluebird’s founder and CEO, previously worked at Landmark Health, which focused on older adults with complex chronic conditions.
Johnson’s experience at Landmark Health influenced his approach to pediatrics, as he recognized the need for innovative care delivery models. He noted that pediatrics is a prevention-focused field, with many clinical guidelines emphasizing screening, prevention, and vaccinations. By building retail clinics in areas with limited access to pediatric care, Bluebird aims to provide high-quality care and reduce long-term utilization and costs.
Value-Based Care Approach
Bluebird’s model involves building relationships with managed care organizations to provide value-based care. The company signs up for quality-based payments and total cost of care measures, ensuring that patients receive proper diagnosis and intervention. Johnson emphasized that pediatrics is a field that lends itself well to value-based care, as many interventions have long-term impacts on outcomes.
Bluebird’s approach is different from traditional pediatric practices, as it focuses on value-based care and partnerships with health plans. The company uses technology to support providers and families, enabling better management of chronic conditions like asthma and behavioral health conditions. By providing a pediatric primary care home, Bluebird aims to reduce utilization and costs while improving quality outcomes.
Value Based Care Model
Johnson noted that it is less common to find a focus on value-based care in pediatrics compared to senior healthcare. However, he believes that Bluebird’s model can be applied to various states, as it drives improvements in quality outcomes, increases engagement and access for children, and reduces total medical expenditure and utilization.
Bluebird currently has eight clinic locations open along the eastern seaboard of Florida, with plans to expand to 14 clinics by next year. The company is also exploring expansion into new geographies in Florida and other states, with a focus on establishing local density and partnerships with health systems and social service providers.
The company’s expansion plans include opening new locations in areas with limited access to pediatric care, such as Orlando. By establishing a strong presence in these areas, Bluebird aims to become a trusted provider of children’s health services and create win-win opportunities with local partners.
As Bluebird continues to grow, it will be important for the company to build relationships with larger hospital systems and academic medical centers. This will enable the company to refer patients to specialists when needed and share information about those patients with the health systems, ultimately improving outcomes for children in underserved communities.
Improving Quality Outcomes
Bluebird’s approach to value-based care is centered on driving improvements in quality outcomes and reducing costs. The company’s focus on prevention and early intervention is critical in pediatrics, where many conditions can be managed effectively with proper care and support. By providing a pediatric primary care home and supporting families and caregivers, Bluebird is working to create a more sustainable and effective healthcare model for children.
According to Johnson, Bluebird’s model is applicable in almost every state, despite variations in how Medicaid works. The company’s ability to drive improvements in quality outcomes, increase engagement and access for children, and reduce total medical expenditure and utilization makes it an attractive partner for managed Medicaid organizations.
Expanding Clinic Locations
Bluebird’s current locations include Jacksonville, Duval County, Palm Beach County, and Broward County, with a new location set to open in Orlando in January. The company’s goal is to establish a strong presence in these areas and create a network of care that supports children and families in need.
The company’s care management programs are designed to support children with chronic conditions, such as respiratory distress, and provide families with the tools and resources they need to manage their child’s health. By taking a holistic approach to care, Bluebird is working to improve outcomes and reduce costs, ultimately creating a more sustainable healthcare model for children.
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