CIRHM Introduction

Introduction

CIRHM is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation established in 1995 to develop an understanding of the appropriate interaction between managed care and California's fragile rural health care delivery system, and to inform the rural health care community of relevant issues. CIRHM accomplishes its purpose by providing education and technical assistance to rural providers in identifying options and alternatives for integrated health care systems administration and financing.

The Governing Board of CIRHM is made up of rural Californians who represent a heterogeneous cross-section of the diverse rural health care environment. Each board member provides a perspective on the unique considerations of a rural region or population, while together sharing an overarching concern for the needs of all rural communities.

CIRHM took a lead position as a policy analyst and educator on issues of rural health in January 1995, by publishing a paper entitled "Issues and Options facing Rural Communities Under Managed Care." This paper identified a number of issues raised by the expansion of managed care to rural areas, and discussed the pertinent issues from the perspective of both the rural health care delivery system and the managed care organization. This paper clarified the unique issues confronting health care delivery systems due to demographic changes and changes in reimbursement.

CIRHM's work since 1997 in developing integrated health care systems in rural California communities has been through DRIS, (Developing Rural Integrated Systems), a four year Initiative funded by the James Irvine Foundation. The DRIS Initiative administered by CIRHM in four rural California healthcare markets, has provided a forum for local residents, providers and businesses to come together and address the health issues resulting from their changing local economies. Through extensive data collection and cooperation from these local individuals and entities, CIRHM has gathered valuable resources for examining the impact of change within rural communities and the ability of the current rural delivery systems to respond to residents' changing health needs.

go back to the top

© This web site was redesigned & updated by: