Granting Agency:
Maternal Child Health Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services

Time Period:
July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2006

Purpose:
The purpose of the Project was to develop, implement and evaluate a quality care management program for children with special health care needs in a large private health plan and in a select Medicaid population. The Project piloted the use of an identification system based on diagnostic classification to stratify children with special health care needs for care management purposes. Through programs in two demographically and geographically different areas of Washington State, the Project will improved access to comprehensive benefits and services for these children through identification and inclusion in appropriate care management services and flexibly administered health benefits.

Goal:
The overall goal of the Project was to improve access and quality of care for children with special health care needs in Washington state by providing appropriate care management services and demonstrating cost effectiveness for health plans and providers.

For More Information:
Project Abstract
National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institution's web page on Clinical Risk Groups

Key Contact:
Jean Popalisky, MN, RN
Project Coordinator
(206) 884-5326
jean.popalisky@seattlechildrens.org

Principal Investigator:
John Neff, MD
Director
Center for Children with Special Needs
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center
Professor of Pediatrics
University of Washington, School of Medicine
(206) 884-5275
john.neff@seattlechildrens.org