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About the Bureau Mission and Priorities
The Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health (BPCRH) is the office within the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) dedicated to improving the health status of Louisiana residents in rural and underserved. The Bureau works proactively to build the capacity of community health systems in order to provide integrated, efficient, and effective health care services. The Bureau provides technical assistance to communities, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), physician practices, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Small Rural Hospitals (SRHs). Through its work organizations across Louisiana, the Bureau is committed to developing strong community partnerships and integrated primary health care services in order to reduce health disparities in the state. Additionally, the Bureau works to support effective clinical practices, health care organizations, and the recruitment and retention of primary health care providers to ensure a sustainable health care system that provides access for all. Units and Services
The Bureau currently provides services through six units -- Health Systems Development, Recruitment and Retention Services, Practice Management Consulting, Health Information Services, Statewide Pharmacy Access Initiative and Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. Together, our units provide a continuum of services to establish, enhance and sustain health care services for all Louisiana residents. The Health Systems Development Unit provides strategic planning, needs assessments, group facilitation and resource development to create community support and to ensure the success of health care development projects. The unit administers the federal State Office of Rural Health Grant, Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant (Flex) and Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant (SHIP). This unit also certifies Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and administers the community-based and rural health program grants.
The Recruitment and Retention Services Unit provides incentives for physicians to practice in underserved areas. The unit designates Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and administers the J-1 Visa Waiver Program, the State Loan Repayment Program for physicians and nurses, the National Health Service Corps, and the federal State Office of Primary Care Grant. The unit works in conjunction with Med Job Louisiana, the state’s free professional recruitment service.
The Practice Management Consulting Unit uses market analyses, feasibility studies, patient flow analysis, medical records review, Medicaid and insurance billing technical assistance, and medical coding training to promote better financial performance, enhanced quality of care, and better patient health outcomes for primary care providers in rural and underserved areas.
The Health Information Services Unit provides essential health data, conducts research, and provides tools used in assessing community health needs, applying for health resources and developing health care services. In addition to supporting other units within the Bureau, the resources within Health Information Services are directly available to individuals, providers, and organizations striving to improve their ability to access and provide health care. This unit also manages the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) for Louisiana. The BRFSS is the primary source of data for states and the nation on the health-related behaviors of adults.
The Statewide Pharmacy Access Initiative guides the development and implementation of a statewide pharmacy access program to incorporate community and regional initiatives and expand services to provide access to pharmaceuticals for uninsured and underinsured residents of Louisiana.
The Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Unit is responsible for administering programs related to the state’s chronic disease initiatives in the areas of tobacco control, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and asthma.
Funding and Support
The Bureau operates with funding from the Bureau of Health Professions, the Bureau of Primary Care, and the Office of Rural Health Policy--all three of which are under the umbrella of the Health Resources and Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional funding for the chronic disease unit is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Bureau’s work depends on strong partnerships with our state and federal partner organizations. Through collaboration and information sharing, the support services for primary and rural health care organizations enable communities to effectively develop sustainable health care solutions.
Contact Us Gerrelda Davis, Director Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
628 North 4th Street, 8th Floor P.O. Box 3118 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3118 Phone: 225-342-9513 Fax: 225-342-5839 |
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