Improving Access to Care in Wayne County with NY Connects

NY Connects is a statewide program that provides information and assistance about long term services and support.  Wayne County is one of many in NYS to implement this program.  NY Connects defines long term care as, "medical and non-medical support services needed to improve or maintain ones' health and/or daily function...[that]may be provided in individuals' homes or other community-based and residential settings."  

The program is available for people of all ages and is not limited by insurance carrier.  It is intended to help people who are might find accessing medical care confusing.  The local programs, including the program in Wayne County provide information and assistance specialists that personally counsel patients on making informed decisions about their medical care.  The specialists also assist patients in accessing long term services and supports for both existing and future healthcare needs.

The Wayne County NY Connects program is offered through the Wayne County Department of Aging and Youth.   Their specific program goal is to help people of all ages access reliable information regarding services and to assist in formulating a plan to ensure people can maintain as much independence as possible.

As a future practitioner, I see myself working within a patient centered medical home.  I think that this is the future of primary care overall, and I believe it will ensure better medical care to patients.  I think that NY Connects is a wonderful resource for people because navigating medical care can often be confusing and seemingly inaccessible. Therefore, in my practice I will encourage and promote such programs for patients. 

http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Departments/AgeYouth/NYConnects.htm

http://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/nyprovider/consumer/indexNY.do