A Data-Driven Approach to Understanding Factors Contributing to Health Inequities at Indiana FQHCs
Capital Link has prepared a 2019-2022 data-driven analysis for the Indiana Primary Health Care Association, looking at key factors influencing health inequities. Since their inception, community health centers have made great strides in reducing the health inequities that affect the nation’s underserved and marginalized communities. Report findings affirm that specific patient and health center characteristics have an impact on access to care and health outcomes among various sub-populations of patients. Despite best intentions, these characteristics often perpetuate systemic racism and health disparities.
Capital Link, with the assistance of HealthLandscape, reviewed more than 100 metrics from the 39 FQHC members of the Indiana Primary Health Care Association collected between the years of 2019 and 2022. The analysis considered population demographic factors such as Social Deprivation Index (SDI)2 level, poverty, and homelessness, racial and ethnic population composition, patient and payer insurance mix, service offerings, growth rates, and other factors related to a health center’s long-term financial sustainability, accessibility, and health outcomes. Results were reviewed from four criteria: strongest financial performers in the region, health center performance based on COVID-19 grants, access to care, and clinical outcomes based on patient population. The results confirmed important differences among FQHCs in Indiana based on the characteristics of the health centers and their patient populations.
This study aims to utilize findings in order to make informed recommendations on how to improve patient equity and inclusion efforts across health centers both in Indiana and nationally.
