Using Data to Understand Where Patients Go For Care
Located in the frontier community of Gunnison, in the largest county per square mile in Colorado, is Gunnison Valley Health (GVH). Begun as a hospital in 1938, GVH has grown into a health system with the ability to provide their region with a comprehensive spectrum of care that includes a critical care hospital, EMS services, senior services, outpatient physician clinics, and many more.
Despite the wealth of things provided through the health system, residents of Gunnison County were still traveling many miles and hours for certain services due to lack of access, high costs, or better care. Proactively, GVH recognized the growing concerns behind this exodus for health care services in the region and took steps to combat the challenge. Using understand the services used outside of the county. They hope to answer two questions:
1.) Where do Gunnison County community members go to receive health care services in the State of Colorado, and what are the charges for these services?
2.) What services should Gunnison Valley Health should offer in the community in order to provide local care and remove any barriers to access?
The findings of their analyses will help GVH further implement their strategic plan, as well as understand care received outside of Gunnison County. CO APCD data will allow GVH to track gaps in services while developing a plan to enhance and improve services that will increase access to timely care for residents. Increasing access to care in the region will reduce excess travel for those used to seeking treatment far away from home.