Blogs

Open Position at Memphis Health Center

By Susan Swartz posted 15 days ago
OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) in Memphis, TN Memphis Health Center is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) to join their team of healthcare professionals. This is a full-time, on-site position serving a diverse patient population in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting. The ideal candidate will be committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and have a passion for working in underserved communities. Key Responsibilities: Deliver comprehensive OB/GYN services including prenatal, postnatal, and general gynecological care Perform deliveries and gynecological surgeries as required ...

When Mental Health Becomes a Primary Care Problem, and What to Do About It

By Dr. Virmarie Diaz-Fernandez posted 20 days ago
This guest post was contributed by Dr. Virmarie Diaz-Fernandez, Clinical Advisor of Peregrine Health —a TPCA Partner. In most communities, especially rural and underserved ones, primary care providers (PCPs) are the de facto mental health system. Not because they’re trained to be, but because they have to be. With a national shortage of behavioral health (BH) providers, limited referral options, and persistent stigma around mental illness, patients often turn to their PCP for help. The problem? Most PCPs are stretched thin, appointments are short, and they often lack the time and confidence to fully assess mental health concerns. ...

Key Performance Indicators A Guide to Implementing an Effective Benchmarking Plan

By Wes Ernst posted 06-05-2025
This guest post was contributed by Wes Ernst, CPA, of Forvis Mazars —a TPCA Partner. Introduction Key performance indicators, informally referred to as KPIs, are metrics used to track an organization’s health and well-being. KPIs are frequently used to measure data points across financial areas but are also seen in other aspects of a healthcare business such as patient satisfaction, employee engagement, or communication. Viewed as tools for continuous improvement rather than static measures of performance, effective use of KPIs aids in decision-making and leads to better overall performance. Alignment Health ...

Key Performance Indicators: A Guide to Implementing an Effective Benchmarking Plan

By Wes Ernst posted 06-05-2025
This post was contributed by Wes Ernst, CPA, with Forvis Mazars, a TPCA Partner. Introduction Key performance indicators, informally referred to as KPIs, are metrics used to track an organization’s health and well-being. KPIs are frequently used to measure data points across financial areas but are also seen in other aspects of a healthcare business such as patient satisfaction, employee engagement, or communication. Viewed as tools for continuous improvement rather than static measures of performance, effective use of KPIs aids in decision-making and leads to better overall performance. Alignment Health centers have no shortage ...

Medicaid in Tennessee: What's Happening and Why It Matters to You

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 05-21-2025
What is Medica id?   Medicaid is a joint state-federal program to provide health care coverage to low-income folks, primarily children, pregnant women , parents, people with disabilities and some older adults. In Tennessee , Medicaid is called TennCare . It covers about 1.5 million people — that’s more than 1 in 5 Tennesseans .  TennCare has a special setup: if the state spends less than a certain amount, it gets to keep some of the leftover federal money. This is called " shared savings " , and it helps the state improve TennCare coverage and invest in ...

Open Position at Homeless Health Care Center - Hamilton Cty Health Department

By Susan Swartz posted 05-20-2025
County Physician/Medical Director - Homeless Health Under general supervision, provides medical care to patients and clinical and/or administrative oversight of health department programs; serves as medical director of Primary Care and Homeless Health Clinic. Annual Salary: $185,251.00 - $231,564.00 Learn More and Apply: https://jobs.inline.group/hamiltoncountytn/jobs/Family-Medicine-job-in-Chattanooga,-TN-35715 Questions about applying? Applicants should make contact through the third-party link provided above. Homeless Health Care Center Mission Statement: To promote the well-being of the homeless population in our community by ...

Victory for 340B and Tennessee Patients

By Jayda Morse posted 04-25-2025
We’re thrilled to share exciting news from the State Capitol! On April 16 , our 340B protection bill (SB1414/HB1242) passed the Senate (27-5) and Tennessee House (82-4-4) with overwhelming bipartisan support — and is now headed to Governor Lee’s desk! This marks a huge win for community health centers and the patients you serve every day. Your voices, your support, and your dedication made this possible. What the 340B Program Does: The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows health centers to purchase outpatient medications at a discount — helping ...

A Conversation with Bonnie McNabb and Cheri Lewis, Dayspring Health, Inc.

By Jayda Morse posted 03-13-2025
Healthcare organizations nationwide are experiencing workforce shortages which are projected to continue over the coming decade.¹ In the face of this challenge, community health centers are finding creative solutions to continue providing quality healthcare for Tennesseans. Dayspring Health, Inc. first opened in 1952 as a small community clinic in rural Appalachia² and is now a federally-funded health center serving more than 8,000 patients across three counties.³ In 2024, Dayspring received the Charles Darling Organization of Excellence Award from the Tennessee Primary Care Association for a first-of-its-kind initiative to address their nursing shortage, led ...

The Rebate Model and How It Impacts The 340B Program

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 02-26-2025
The 340B drug pricing program allows certain providers known as covered entities, including community health centers, to purchase outpatient medications at a discount. Community health centers utilize the savings generated from the program to provide access to affordable medications and comprehensive services to patients. How are drug manufacturers trying to change the program? Since last year, drug manufacturers have been trying to shift the 340B program from an upfront discount program to a post-sales rebate model. Manufacturers are currently required to provide a discount on 340B medications at the point of sale. Under a rebate system, ...

Contract Pharmacies are a Lifeline for Patients

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 02-14-2025
Community health centers rely on the 340B Drug Pricing Program to provide affordable medications and comprehensive services to patients. Although all health centers offer pharmacy services, not all operate their own pharmacies. Most health centers rely on contract pharmacies to ensure their patients can get their medications at their preferred pharmacy. What are contract pharmacies and how do health centers use them? About 56% of health centers in the country operate in-house pharmacies,¹ but many health centers don’t because of the significant investments required to start and maintain them. Health centers often partner with contract pharmacies ...

A Conversation with Rick Keeton, Board Chairman for Mountain People’s Health Councils, Inc.

By Jayda Morse posted 02-05-2025
Rick Keeton is a long-time resident of Scott County, Tennessee, a close-knit community with a population of 22,000. Scott County is also home to Mountain People’s Health Councils, Inc., a community health center and member of the Tennessee Primary Care Association where Rick has served as a board member for more than twenty years. Despite intending to retire after his last term, he stayed on after James Lovett, CEO of Mountain People’s, asked him to serve as Board Chairman. Hearing Rick speak, it’s immediately clear to me how passionate he is about serving his community and ensuring Scott County residents have access to quality healthcare. Rick was ...

What is 340B and How do Health Centers Use the Program?

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 02-04-2025
The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program established in 1992 under the Public Health Service Act (the name “340B” derives from the section of the Act that established the program). The program allows certain providers, known as ‘covered entities,’ to purchase some outpatient medications at a discount . What are covered entities? ‘Covered entities’ include several different designations of hospitals (including Disproportionate Share Hospitals, Critical Access and Sole Community Hospitals, Children’s Hospitals, Rural Referral Centers, Cancer Hospitals) along with grantees (including Community Health Centers, Ryan White Clinics, Black ...

Key Takeaways from Tennessee’s FY25-26 State Budget Hearings: Focus on TennCare and the Department of Health

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 11-06-2024
Governor Bill Lee has officially kicked off the FY25-26 budget hearings, marking the start of critical discussions around funding priorities. This week, TennCare and the Tennessee Department of Health presented their proposed budgets, each highlighting significant achievements and outlining requests to address pressing healthcare needs. Below is an overview of the main points from these presentations that are most relevant to community health centers. TennCare’s FY25-26 Budget Overview On Tuesday, November 5, TennCare presented its proposed budget to Governor Lee and his team, emphasizing past successes and future plans. Notably, the department ...

Join the #FluFreeTN Challenge: Protect Your Patients and Your Community!

By Jayda Morse posted 10-17-2024
Flu season is here, and this year, we’re making it easier than ever to promote flu vaccinations to your patients with the #FluFreeTN Challenge ! Together, let’s call on all Tennesseans to take the Flu-Free Pledge by getting vaccinated at a community health center. How It Works We’ve created a sample social media campaign for your CHC as well as a custom photo frame and printable poster. TPCA will be posting to our socials as well! After your patients get a flu vaccination, encourage them to snap a selfie and share it using the hashtag #FluFreeTN ! Engagement Ideas Staff Participation: Encourage your staff to share ...

Senator Blackburn Introduces Community Health Center Workforce Bill

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 08-05-2024
This week, Community Health Centers in Tennessee and across the nation are celebrating National Health Center Week to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of Health Centers for over 50 years. Health Centers across the country serve as the health care home for more than 30 million patients. The enduring Community Health Center legacy would not be possible without the dedicated staff who advance the Health Center mission, to provide the highest quality care to patients, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay for care. Nationally, 285,000 staff advance the Community Health Center mission and movement. In Tennessee, ...

New Federal 340B Legislation Introduced

By Emily Waitt Hise posted 06-10-2024
Legislation to enact reforms to the 340B program was recently introduced in the House of Representatives. Learn more about Congressional efforts to shore up the program. What is the 340B Program? The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program, established in 1992, which allows certain providers, including community health centers, to purchase outpatient medications at a discount. Congress established the 340B program to ensure eligible providers could “stretch scarce Federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.” The savings generated from the program allow community health centers ...

Open Positions at Chota Community Health Services

By Susan Swartz posted 05-14-2024
Family Medicine Physician/ Internal Medicine Physician in Madisonville, TN A licensed physician who will function in a role of providing primary health care including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and referral care under approved medical protocols. Annual Salary: $200,000-$240,000 Learn More and Apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=ff6c0888-d24a-42ff-b961-34c6421ac586&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings&jobId=479144 Questions about applying? Please contact Katie Tinsley at ktinsley@chotahealth.org . Chota Community Health Services Mission ...

Summer Advocacy Opportunities for Community Health Centers

By Jayda Morse posted 05-13-2024
Summer provides a variety of opportunities for health centers stay engaged in advocacy. Read on to learn about upcoming opportunities! Summer provides many different advocacy opportunities for community health centers. By summer, the state legislative session has adjourned, and Congress returns to their districts at various points over the summer on recess. With elected officials returning to their districts, it is the perfect time to invite them out for a visit. In addition, August marks National Health Center Week, a celebration of health centers that lends itself to advocacy and community engagement. National Health Center Week (August ...

House and Senate sign "Dear Colleague" letters for health center funding

By Jayda Morse posted 05-06-2024
Congress has begun work on the FY25 appropriations process, including annual health center funding sign on letters. Learn more about this process and how you can advocate for health centers in today's blog! Community health centers receive federal funding through the Community Health Center Fund, known as mandatory funding, and through the annual appropriations process, known as discretionary funding. The Community Health Center Fund, which is multi-year base funding for health centers, accounts for about 70% of federal funding. Health centers also receive about 30% of their federal funding through the annual appropriations process, with each fiscal ...

Health Care Safety Net in FY 24-25

By Jayda Morse posted 04-22-2024
Community health centers rely on the Health Care Safety Net funding to care for uninsured adults. Learn more about the fund in this year’s budget: Health Care Safety Net An estimated 10.4% of adult Tennesseans are uninsured. 1 The Health Care Safety Net, administered through the Tennessee Department of Health, partially offsets the cost of providing care for these patients through community health centers and charitable and faith-based clinics. The majority of the fund, 82.5% is allocated to Primary Care Plus, the portion of the funding that supports primary, dental, and behavioral health services. 2 The remaining funding is allocated ...