The South Country Quality Program is designed to assess and improve the quality and member access to all types of health care services. One component of South Country’s program is the timely correction of problems that are identified through monitoring of service utilization patterns, complaints, administrative processes, program outcomes, and other mechanisms. Learn more here. (https://mnscha.org/wp-content/uploads/6894.pdf)
Through a collaborative effort with delegates and a variety of in-depth software systems, South Country’s information technology department collects and manages provider data, plan enrollment data, and claims data, which it reports to county partners and other stakeholders to implement programs for improving the delivery of health care services and the wellness of members. Learn more about our wellness programs and health promotions. (https://mnscha.org/members/wellness-programs/)
Health Care Disparities
South Country is aware that barriers to health care exist for minority populations and has processes in place that assess the need for special initiatives or programs. We work to provide culturally competent care through interpreters, community health workers and active recruitment of local providers who can deliver services that are responsive to the health beliefs, practices, cultural and linguistic needs of diverse members. If a local provider is not contracted with South Country, we extend an offer to either join the network or agree to special contract arrangements to offer necessary services, such as case management, home care, primary care, specialty care, and therapy. As a county-owned health plan, we have the advantage of working alongside our county partners in forming relationships with community-based organizations that support the unique cultural and socio-demographic needs of our minority populations, including migrant health centers, free clinics, and immigrant resource centers. Our community care connectors, as well as other public health and social services staff who work with our members on a frequent basis, are most familiar with local community resources and have contacts established with community leaders and agencies.
South Country’s members, staff and county partners use our online provider search tool (https://mnscha.org/find-a-provider/) to identify facilities in their area where certain clinic or hospitals are available and can select a specific language spoken at facility.
Our interpreter vendor is Cyracom, which offers interpreters for over 200 different languages to help communicate with non-English speaking members. We are able to provide telephonic and/or video interpreter services depending on technology access and the members’ preference. This service is free of charge to the member. South Country provides the same telephonic interpreter service free of charge to county partners in social services and public health departments to assist them with member communication. South Country uses the Minnesota Relay Service to provide TTY, voice, ASCII, hearing carry over, and speech-to-speech relay for members with hearing impairment or other adaptive communication needs. For direct face-to-face clinic language needs, contracted interpreters are available in the communities served.
South Country is continuing efforts and finding new ways to further integrate and expand efforts in the focus of improvements in health equity across disparate populations. South Country will continue to collaborate with community partners in 2024 and attend community-led initiatives to capture and address stakeholder feedback around Health Inequities in access to and quality of care.
Performance Objectives
The Quality Program for South Country is the framework that guides the formal process for evaluating and improving, where necessary, the quality and appropriateness of health care services and the health status of the population South Country serves. Learn more about the 2024 Quality Program Description. (https://mnscha.org/wp-content/uploads/6894.pdf)
Quality Improvement Programs
