Date of Award

Spring 4-25-2025

Embargo Period

4-25-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Health Administration

Department

Health Administration

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Jillian Harvey

Second Advisor

Kit Simpson

Third Advisor

Caitlin Koob

Abstract

This exploratory data analysis examines the self-sustainability of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) using the 2023 Uniform Data Systems (UDS) dataset, focusing on health centers' reliance on government grants as a revenue source. FQHCs provide high-quality healthcare services to medically underserved populations; today, nearly 1 out of every 11 Americans receives some form of care at an FQHC. There is widespread variability in the delivery of care amongst FQHCs. Additionally, funding and reimbursement methodologies vary across states and geographic regions. FQHCs face challenges maintaining operational efficiency amid federal funding shortfalls, shifting reimbursement methodologies, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the first to focus solely on using publicly available UDS data to assess the self-sustainability of FQHCs. Limitations include the self-reported nature of UDS data, and the limited information made publicly available by the Bureau of Primary Health within the UDS. Future research should focus on conducting multiyear analyses, utilizing the full uncensored UDS data, and aim to establish benchmarks for health centers by determining drivers of technical and operational efficiencies. Further, more research is needed to determine the full impact of adopting alternative payment models and their effect on staffing and care delivery.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

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