COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Hospital and Clinics

DATE:

April 19, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 7, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Nancy J. Steiger, Chief Executive Officer

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Howard Belfer, M.D.

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with Howard Belfer, M.D.

Background

San Mateo County is responsible for providing necessary medical care to its medically indigent population. This care includes professional neurology services. Howard Belfer, M.D., provides professional neurology services including the management and supervision of those services.

For the past four years, Dr. Belfer has provided these services as a subcontractor to the Medical Associates of San Mateo County (MASMC).

Discussion

As of March 31, 2002, the San Mateo County Health Center no longer contracts with MASMC for neurology services. Dr. Belfer will continue to provide the same level of services as in the previous MASMC agreement.

Neurology services are provided under the general direction of the Director of Hospital and Clinics. Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of services provided by contractor are accomplished through peer review by the Quality Assurance Committee and the Executive Committee of the medical staff.

Vision Alignment

This agreement keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 5: Provide residents access to healthcare and preventive care. The agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by continuing to provide neurology services to county patients.

Fiscal Impact

The term of the agreement is for three years from April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2005. This agreement pays Dr. Belfer a maximum amount of $310,544 over the term of the agreement. This amount includes a 3% performance incentive. Funding for 2001-02 is included in the approved budget for Hospital and Clinics and will be included in future budget requests.