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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseIndependence Blue Cross Hosts Best Practices Conference for Area Non-Profit Medical ClinicsParticipants Share Ideas for Successful Clinic Management Philadelphia, PA - October 18, 2005 - Independence Blue Cross recently brought together local health care experts and the leaders of area private, non-profit medical clinics for a Best Practices Conference. Clinic staff exchanged best practices and discussed issues of importance in managing a successful clinic. The conference focused on Independence Blue Cross’s Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, which provides Participants Share Ideas for Successful Clinic Managementfinancial support for non-profit, privately funded clinics in Southeastern Pennsylvania who give free or nominal fee care to the uninsured. To date, IBC has contributed more than $4 million to 22 clinics over a three-year period, in an effort to support quality care that ultimately reduces the number of uninsured individuals who require treatment at area hospitals. “The Charitable Medical Care Grant Program is one way we support local clinics who are on the front lines of the health care system,” said Independence Blue Cross President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph A. Frick. “These clinics are invaluable, enabling patients to go to work and school, to focus on their future and on improving their lives. This conference is a chance to share best practices that ensure the future of these clinics.” Frick welcomed participants to the annual conference, which featured presentations from Dr. Michael W. Painter, senior program officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Richard Cohen, PhD., president and CEO, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation. Workshop discussion topics included board development and fundraising. “We are grateful to Independence Blue Cross for bringing us together to hear relevant speakers and network with one another,” said Nancy Rothman, director of Community-based Practices, Temple Health Connection. “The conference provided the opportunity for open discussion and sharing among organizations concerned with providing quality health care to underserved populations.” “The Charitable Medical Care Grant Program helps clinics provide vitally needed care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Stephen Fera, vice president of Social Mission Programs at Independence Blue Cross. “Today provides the rare opportunity for clinic directors and staff to come together, exchange ideas and ultimately improve the services they provide.” The Non-Profit Center at LaSalle University is a management support organization that enhances the management and governance capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout the Delaware Valley. The Philadelphia Health Management Corporation is a non-profit public health organization that is committed to improving the health of the community through outreach, education, research, planning, technical assistance and direct services. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful, and timely change. About Independence Blue Cross This year, Independence Blue Cross’s Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine.
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