Questions and Answers 2/24/14

Question: 

On the Consolidated Statements of Activities under Expenses, can you please give an explanation of “Health Services purchased: professional, hospitalization, pharmacy.”  I do not have an understanding of the specific activities that cause this type of expense?  Were they contracting pharmacy services?

Answer: 

As identified, these are health services purchased by WestPlan, separate from services provided by WestPlan's current salaried employees. If you believe this is important information for providing recommendations, then as part of your research, you should explore health service options by talking with administrators in the field to ascertain what one might expect for an organization of this size and scope, and make informed assumptions that you can defend if needed.

Question: 

The state of Oregon has a Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program that encourages clinics to comply with this model. The case doesn't mention recognition of WestPlan by this program. May we assume that WestPlan clinics are not yet recognized?

Answer:

Remember that this is a fictionalized case. You should assume that WestPlan clinics are recognized.

Question: 

Can you share more detail about the demographics of the city of Dunnelly, Oregon?

Answer: More detail is not readily available. You should assume that the level of detail in the case is sufficient to make reasonable assumptions related to demographics.

Question: 

Out of the approximately 1800 patients with heart failure seen by WestPlan, how many are members? And how many non-members are participating in the Disease and Case Management Program?

Answer: 

Based on the information provided in the case, you should make reasonable assumptions about the number of members and non-members participating in the Disease and Case Management Program.