Through a recent grant, Cape Fear HealthNet members will be able to get help navigating specialty appointments and follow-up care.
 
The Leon Levine Foundation awarded Cape Fear HealthNet (CFHN) a grant, and the funding is being used to have a licensed practical nurse with Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) provide care coordination services.
 
CFHN’s mission focuses on ensuring that low-income residents have access to a medical home, receive preventive services and avoid unnecessary health complications.
 
CCLCF is a 501(c)(3) that works on improving health outcomes for more than 90,000 public and privately- insured enrollees in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Onslow and Bladen counties.
 
“CFHN and CCLCF recognized a need to increase referral appointment compliance and help patients understand the importance of when to use their primary care provider, a health clinic and the Emergency Department,” a press release stated.
 
Officials said that specialists who provided pro bono services to CFHN members “would often have trouble engaging patients to follow through with much needed health care services or have patients miss appointments,” according to the release.
 
With the dedicated position, the nurse will work with individuals to educate them about the importance of sticking to specialty appointments and take advantage of services being offered.
 
“The LPN will also ensure that members receive their medications, understand treatment plans, go to any follow-up appointments and have resources that can reduce barriers to their overall health,” officials said. “Barriers can include what is commonly referred to as social determinants of health including food insecurity, housing issues, transportation issues and concerns with interpersonal violence and toxic stress. The CCLCF LPN will address these barriers and link the member to a resource that can help.”