COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health System

DATE:

January 12, 2010

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 23, 2010

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Jean S. Fraser, Chief, Health System
Susan Ehrlich, MD, MPP, Chief Executive Officer
San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Pacific Footcare Podiatry Group, Inc.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution:

1.

Authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Agreement with Pacific Footcare Podiatry Group, Inc. to provide podiatry services for the term February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2012 in an amount not to exceed $250,920; and

2.

Authorizing the Chief of the Health System or designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

BACKGROUND:

Pacific Footcare Podiatry Group, Inc. has provided podiatry surgery and clinic services to San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) for several years. SMMC has a continuous need for podiatry services and Pacific Footcare Podiatry Group, Inc. offers SMMC the benefits of experienced practitioners familiar with the complex nature of the County patient base.

DISCUSSION:

This contract will provide for podiatry surgery and clinic services at SMMC. In particular, this discipline serves as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, including heel spurs, hammer toes, bunions, general foot trauma, and chronic systemic disorders which commonly have associated foot problems.

The Health System Redesign Initiative Team, County Counsel, and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Agreement as to form. County Administrative Memorandum B-1 provides that contracts for physicians are exempt from the Request for Proposals process.

The Contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits.

Approval of this Agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by providing surgical services to the patients of SMMC. It is anticipated that 100% of physician surveys will provide an overall quality rating of 4 or higher on a 5 point scale. A rating of 4 or more is an indicator of the highest quality patient care and meets Joint Commission of American Hospital guidelines for accreditation.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2008-09
Actual

FY 2009-10
Projected

Percentage of physician surveys of podiatry services assessing communication, timeliness, and overall quality rated at levels 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale

100%

100%

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the Agreement is February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2012. The maximum amount of the Agreement is $250,920. This contract for podiatry services is $7,156 less per year than the prior contract, due to effective negotiations. Funds in the amount of $52,467 are included in the SMMC FY 2009-10 Adopted Budget and $125,460 will be included in the SMMC FY 2010-11 Recommended Budget. Similar arrangements will be made for future budget years.

Expenses at SMMC are covered by fees for services or third-party payors whenever possible. The portion of expenses for services provided to the medically indigent or to those covered by programs that do not meet the full costs of care is covered by the County’s general Fund contribution to SMMC.