COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

September 6, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 24, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Nancy J. Steiger, Chief Executive Officer

SUBJECT:

Agreement with James Abrams, M.D., Daniel Buckley, M.D., Barry McNamara, M.D., and John McNamara, M.D.

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute agreements with James Abrams, M.D., Daniel Buckley, M.D., Barry McNamara, M.D., and John McNamara, M.D.

Background

San Mateo County is responsible for providing necessary medical care to its medically indigent population. This care includes professional ophthalmology services. James Abrams, M.D., Daniel Buckley, M.D., Barry McNamara, M.D., and John McNamara, M.D., provide professional ophthalmology services including the management and supervision of those services.

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

Discussion

As of March 31, 2002, the San Mateo Medical Center no longer contracts with MASMC for ophthalmology services. These doctors will continue to provide the same level of services as under the previous MASMC agreement, but at a significantly reduced cost to the County, that reflects current market value. With the savings thus accrued, the Medical Center will hire new mid-level optometrists and technicians who can expand patient access to eye care, at far lower cost to the County, compared to the prior exclusive use of eye surgeons.

Ophthalmology services are provided under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer. 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 ophthalmology services to county patients.

Fiscal Impact

The term of these agreements is two (2) years, September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2004. The maximum amount is not to exceed $594,200.00 over the terms of the agreements which is an annual reduction of $61,000 from the amount paid in FY 01-02. Funds are included in the Adopted FY2002-03 Hospital and Clinics budget and will be included in the future budget requests.