Strategic Role of West Virginia FQHCs

Overview

West Virginia’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) represent the most comprehensive rural primary care infrastructure in the state. Through the Partnership for Healthier Communities (PfHC) Clinically Integrated Network (CIN), health centers are actively building value-based payment capability, data infrastructure, and care coordination models that directly align with the RHTP’s Connected Care Grid and Smart Care Catalyst initiatives.

The RHTP presents a significant opportunity to scale and strengthen existing infrastructure rather than creating parallel systems. Sustainable transformation will require funding for care coordination, data integration, and rural workforce stabilization, not solely performance incentives.

Role of FQHCs in West Virginia’s Health Landscape

FQHCs serve as:

· Access anchors in medically underserved communities

· Integrated primary care and behavioral health providers

· School-based health leaders

· Population health managers

· Medicaid-dominant care providers in many rural counties

Primary care strength is foundational to rural health transformation.

Connected Care Grid

FQHCs can support:

· Clinical data integration (via Azara and CIN dashboards)

· Care coordination across hospital/ED transitions

· Referral tracking and follow-up

· Behavioral health integration

· School-based population outreach

Critical Need:

· Standardized ADT feeds

· Claims and clinical integration

· Protection-compliant behavioral health data sharing

FQHCs already manage:

· High-need, high-risk populations

· Chronic disease care

· Maternal/child health

· Substance use disorder treatment

· Health related social needs

Conclusion

West Virginia’s rural transformation will succeed if it strengthens the infrastructure closest to the patient, and in rural West Virginia, that infrastructure is primary care. FQHC-led networks are positioned to serve as the operational backbone of the RHTP.