September 2022  |  Issue No. 5

Q & A with Ned Bernton, M.D.

Volunteer Medical Director, Clinical Quality Programs 

Tell us about yourself. How did you end up volunteering with the Primary Care Coalition?
I retired from full-time work two years ago after 23 years as an Army physician and researcher and 20 years as a civilian in drug and vaccine development and early-phase clinical trials. My own physician father was a passionate supporter of PCC, as well as a co-founder, so I contacted PCC and said I was looking for a role as a volunteer. 

Why are you passionate about data driven quality improvement? 
Passionate is a strong word to use concerning data-driven QI.  However, my career in drug development has given me familiarity and respect for data-driven decision making. It is important to understand what the existing HEDIS measures used by PCC tell us about what we are doing well and what we could be doing better, and to share ideas for change among the clinics. 

Safety Net Clinics Deliver Quality Care Despite Pandemic Challenges

Despite significant healthcare disruption from the global pandemic, Montgomery County's safety net clinics continued to perform at a high level, according to the FY 2021 Clinical Performance Measures released recently by the Primary Care Coalition (PCC). 

This is the 14th year that PCC has published annual performance measures for the Montgomery Cares program. Mask mandates and fluctuations in COVID-19 cases posed significant challenges for the clinics during the year, including a 20% decrease in the number of patients and a 15% drop in total visits due to patient reluctance to seek in-person care and preventive screenings. Nevertheless, the clinics served more than 19,500 low-income, uninsured adults in more than 53,000 separate visits during FY 2021. Clinical performance met or exceeded national benchmarks in more than a few areas.

The patients in the Montgomery Cares program receive services through 10 independent safety-net primary care organizations, six hospitals, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Primary Care Coalition clinics, and community-based providers and groups. Medical directors and clinics had to be creative, innovative, and nimble in order to deliver critically important services during the pandemic.

Tickets Now Available to PCC's Storytelling Show

PCC's third-ever live storytelling show is coming Thursday, November 10th at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring. Join us as ​PCC staff and partners tell their stories of “Good Works, Done Well.” Expect to hear true stories that are a little bit irreverent, a lot heartfelt, and totally individual--including a chance encounter with Icelandic ponies in a Montgomery County kitchen. Our theme is inspired by the late Mary C. Jackson, an early member of the PCC team who dedicated her career to transformational service.

Your $50 ticket includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres before the show, and event proceeds support PCC's work to make health happen in our community. Get your tickets today!

September 20, 1-2 p.m., Money Follows the Person for individuals transitioning from an institution (like a nursing facility) to an apartment or group home. Hosted by Independence Now. Call 240-638-0069 if you have questions.

September 21, 4-5 p.m., Adaptive Fitness Class for seniors and individuals with limited mobility, hosted by Independence Now and Disability Partnerships via Zoom.

October 15, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Step Up for Down Syndrome Celebration & Walk Hadley’s Park, Potomac, Maryland. Register in advance to walk or exhibit.

November 25-29, PCC's 30th Anniversary Virtual 5K registration is $25/person, with prizes for participants with the most sponsors, most dollars raised, and best social media posts.

PCC Job Openings

Bilingual Client Services Referral Specialist (Full-Time)

Bilingual Community Health Worker (Full-Time)

Dental Assistant-Certified Radiation Technologist (Full-Time)

Dental Clinic Principal Administrative Aide (Full-Time)

Director, Diabetes Programming
(Full-Time)

Population Health Program Coordinator (Full-time)

Primary Care Coalition
8757 Georgia Ave 10th Floor | Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-628-3405 | info@primarycarecoalition.org

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