PONTIAC – Jeff Brown, executive director of the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA), today announced the formation of the Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network (OIHN) and the opening of its first site at the Family Medicine Center at Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan in Pontiac. Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network is a non-profit organization created by OCCMHA with the support of its network of mental health services providers and the Oakland County Health Department.
OIHN will provide affordable healthcare services for the community. It welcomes those with any insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Veterans health care, and offers coordination of services for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Studies show that these populations traditionally have less access to care and consequently lower overall health status. Using an integrated healthcare approach, OIHN coordinates all health-related services for these individuals at one location. This approach ensures patients receive the care they need, in the most appropriate setting, and from a team focused on managing their care over the long term.
“In Oakland County, the need is great for quality healthcare services for those with special needs, such as mental illness and developmental disabilities,” said Brown. “Our launch at Doctors’ Hospital is only the first step. Plans are underway to open more sites in Oakland County throughout the next year, including Waterford and an additional Pontiac location. Our long-term goal is to develop sites at all Oakland County locations where public mental health services and support are currently provided.”
OIHN is applying to the federal government for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or FQHC look-alike approval. This FQHC status will bring in additional funding and resources, allowing even more access for those who historically fail to receive adequate care. Securing additional FQHCs in Michigan is part of Governor Snyder’s Health and Wellness plan, presented in September 2011. Currently, there is only one other FQHC based in Oakland County.
“Ask anyone who has Medicaid, and they will tell you how hard it is to find doctors who accept their insurance,” said Bob Kamphuis, interim CEO, OIHN. “For doctors who do participate with Medicaid, it’s often difficult to schedule an appointment on a timely basis. OIHN will change that for our county.”
As the first site in the Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network, Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan will continue to serve Pontiac residents and neighboring communities as it has for more than 35 years. The Family Medicine Center at Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan offers more than 20 licensed physicians, a full support staff, and primary care services for all ages.
“We are pleased to continue our tradition of serving Pontiac and the surrounding communities through our recent collaboration with Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network,” said Nik Hemady, MD, director, Family Medicine Center. “This collaboration allows us to provide our current patients with coordinated primary care while opening our doors to more in our community.”