After a long wait, Central Health and Dell Medical School have finally released data that shows how their taxpayer-funded partnership is impacting patients.
Background
Travis County Commissioners had been voicing frustration for more than a year about the lack of detailed information on the partnership between Central Health-Travis County’s taxpayer-funded hospital district-and the medical school. This concern played a key role in last year’s budget approval for Central Health.
The Data Release
On Tuesday, Central Health shared new data with the Commissioners. The release came after the hospital district partnered with Dell Medical staff to merge datasets and provide a first look at how the partnership serves the patients Central Health is mandated to care for.
Key Findings
- Dell Medical School affiliates have cared for roughly a quarter of all Central Health patients in recent years.
- The majority of those patients are Black or Hispanic, and more than half are Spanish-speaking.
- The patients seen by Dell Medical affiliates largely come from underserved communities.
The full presentation given to the Commissioners is available here.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health’s president and CEO, said: “For years, the public has been asking for this clarity and at last we can provide it. What we see here is just a deep alignment with the work that Central Health is charged to do, and that we do together and we know we have been doing together with our Dell Med partners. But now the data can actually demonstrate that.”
Lee also promised ongoing transparency: “We expect to repeat this data delivery at least on an annual basis, and hopefully next year we’ll have an even fuller view and more to share.”
Commissioner Margaret Gomez praised the report, stating: “This is the best report I have heard so far. And I’m very appreciative of it…people have been asking, people want to know what’s been done with their money.”
Funding Context
In 2012, voters approved a tax-rate increase for the hospital district that included language stating that the funds would be used for improved healthcare in Travis County, including support for a new medical school consistent with Central Health’s mission.
As a result, $35 million is transferred annually from Central Health to the medical school. Until this week, however, the tangible outcomes of that partnership for patients were difficult to track.
Commissioners’ Response
The Commissioners overwhelmingly agreed that the data release is a much-needed step toward transparency. The report satisfies a long-standing demand from the community and local leaders for clear evidence of how public money is being spent.
Implications for Patients
The data confirms that the partnership is serving the populations Central Health is mandated to help. With a significant portion of patients being Black, Hispanic, or Spanish-speaking, the collaboration helps address health disparities in the county.
Future Plans
Central Health intends to continue sharing data annually. Lee noted that the next data set should provide an even fuller view, offering deeper insights into patient outcomes and service reach.
Key Takeaways
- Central Health and Dell Medical School have released partnership data showing 25% of patients served are Black, Hispanic, or Spanish-speaking.
- Commissioners applaud the newfound transparency and the alignment of the partnership with Central Health’s mission.
- An annual data delivery is planned, with hopes for an even fuller view next year.
The release marks a significant milestone in the partnership, offering a clearer picture of how taxpayer dollars are improving healthcare for underserved populations in Travis County.
