Fourteen Baptist Health clinics were recently chosen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in its upcoming Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative.

CMS selected 500 primary care practices across seven states to take part in the initiative, which seeks to promote collaboration between public and private healthcare payers in an effort to increase the quality of primary care. Baptist Health's use of health information technology, advanced primary care delivery and care provided to patients covered by participating payers were among the factors considered in the competitive selection process.

"Baptist Health is excited to participate in this initiative with 14 of our clinics being selected to participate," said Troy Wells, senior vice president of administrative services at Baptist Health. "It is an honor to be a part of a design that will improve access to quality healthcare and lower costs."

Patients at these 14 clinics across Central Arkansas -- including three family practice clinics in Little Rock -- may see several benefits as a result of the initiative. The clinics will likely offer more flexible hours, utilize electronic health records, provide personalized care for patients with multiple chronic diseases and special needs, coordinate with patients' other healthcare providers and help patients and caregivers manage care on their own.

Baptist Health is Arkansas's most comprehensive healthcare system. With more than 175 points of access including seven hospitals, Baptist Health is committed to delivering "All Our Best" in healthcare to the people of Arkansas.