MINNEAPOLIS, June 25, 2009 - Nine independent and Fairview-owned medical clinics recently were awarded nearly $60,000 in grant dollars of up to $10,000 each to support projects to improve clinical outcomes and promote innovation.

Funding is part of an annual grant program offered by Fairview Physician Associates (FPA) to improve patient care or the patient experience.

“Especially during tough economic times, we believe our Small Grant program can help support innovation for our member clinics,” says William Nersesian, MD, FPA chief medical officer and a pediatrician at Metropolitan Pediatric Specialists, PA.

Selected clinics and projects include:
Fairview Brooklyn Park Clinic, 10000 Zane Ave. N.: $7,500 to support a personalized patient birthday card program with age specific preventative health care messages to provide education and encourage patients to be proactive in their health care.

Fairview Crosstown Clinic, 6545 France Ave., Edina: $5,000 to improve the self-care skills of patients 70 years and older and the caregiver skills of family members, using Internet-based tools; evaluate the collaboration between primary care and community-based services.

Fairview Hiawatha Clinic, 3809 42 Ave. S., Minneapolis: $6,600 to redesign care model using motivational interviewing and health coaching to help patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes identify and address barriers to achieving a healthier lifestyle.

France Avenue Family Physicians, 7250 France Ave S. Suite 410, Edina: $3,860 to reduce health risks associated with brittle bones (osteoporosis) in men ages 70 years and older through increased bone density screening and education.

Associates in Women’s Health, 6517 Drew Ave. S. Edina, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists (Edina and Burnsville), divisions of Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates, $9,500 to improve the quality of care for patients who experience pregnancy loss.

Richfield Medical Group, 6440 Nicollet Avenue: $1,500 to support a vitamin D screening and treatment program.

Southdale Internal Medicine, 6545 France Ave S Ste 510, Edina: $6,000 to establish an ischemic vascular disease patient registry to improve care through pre-visit planning and follow-up coordination.

South Lake Pediatrics, six locations including South Lake Medical Building, 17705 Hutchins Drive, Suite 101, Minnetonka: $10,000 to develop a program to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations for children with asthma.

Fairview Health System, headquarters at 2450 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis: $10,000 to assess selected clinics for culturally and linguistically appropriate services using computer survey and in-person assessments to improve care and patient experience.

FPA awards grant dollars each year to member clinics that propose projects meeting defined criteria. The clinics also must contribute funds to support their projects and provide data to demonstrate success. FPA then shares the project results with other clinics in the network to help spread innovation.

FPA is a physician-led nonprofit of more than 1,400 physicians and nearly 200 primary and specialty clinics. Member clinics are independent as well as owned by Fairview Health Services. As an integrated practice network, FPA works to advance community health by helping member clinics reach quality goals set by health plans and FPA, among other patient safety and business goals. For more information, visit online at fpanetwork.org.