COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health System

DATE:

January 10, 2011

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 15, 2011

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:

Amendment to Agreement with Paul Linquist, MD

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Amendment to the Agreement with Paul Linquist, MD to provide specialty orthopedic services for the term April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2011, increasing funding by $35,000 to a new maximum fiscal obligation of $285,000

BACKGROUND:

On May 5, 2009, your Board approved an Agreement with Paul Linquist, MD to provide specialty orthopedic services for the term April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2011, for an amount not to exceed $250,000. Dr. Linquist currently provides orthopedic surgery, clinic and call overage. There are 666 patients waiting for an orthopedic appointment as of December 2010.

DISCUSSION:

An Agreement with a half-time orthopedist expired on July 31, 2010, and was not renewed. To assist in ensuring the continued availability of orthopedic coverage, two physicians, Dr. Paul Linquist and Dr. Gene Bruce, will partially cover the half-time position. Dr. Linquist has agreed to provide urgent surgery, clinic and call coverage until an Agreement can be negotiated with a new orthopedist. An Amendment to Dr. Linquist’s existing Agreement is needed to increase the funding to allow for the additional coverage. An Amendment for Dr. Bruce will also be presented to the Board.

The Health System Redesign Initiative Team has reviewed and approved this Amendment. The County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Amendment and Resolution as to form.

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.

This Amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by providing access to specialty orthopedic services to residents of San Mateo County. It is anticipated that less than five percent (5%) of orthopedic surgeries performed will need to be repeated for the same diagnosis which is an indicator of the highest quality of care.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2009-10
Actual

FY 2010-11
Projected

Percentage of repeat orthopedic surgeries for the same diagnosis

<5%

<5%

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the original Agreement is April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2011. The maximum fiscal obligation is increased from $250,000 by $35,000 to a new maximum of $285,000. Funds are included in the San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) FY 2010-11 Adopted Budget.

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 are covered by the County’s General Fund contribution to SMMC.