Health Services in San Antonio
Predicted to Improve After Merger
In an effort to provide San Antonio with a
more effective, proactive, and affordable system
for delivery of public health care, the staff
and clinical preventive services from 10 Metro
Health clinic locations were integrated into the
University Health System in early February. The
transition, which aims to provide clients greater
access to more comprehensive care, will result in
a change of employers only for the clinic staff
who, for the most part, will remain at their
respective locations.
“This is a major accomplishment,” says Fernando
Guerra, MD, Director of Metro Health. “Many are
long-time employees well-trained in public health.
They will be a tremendous asset as they continue to
serve our community in the areas of clinical prevention
and health education in their new roles.”
Work already is underway to install University
Health System’s computerized patient appointment
and billing systems at all 10 Metro Health clinic
locations, as well as its physician order entry and
electronic medical record system. Officials say the
technology will improve communication and coordination
of care between the clinic locations,
University Hospital, especially such specialized
areas as radiology, pharmacological services, and
laboratories. Benefits from the integration of services
should improve patient service as it improves
communication throughout the system of health
care delivery.
“While the transition will result in improved
operations efficiencies and, ultimately, a reduction
in expenses, the long-term implications to the community
are that the merger will reduce costly
adverse health outcomes and illness through an
emphasis on providing early preventive care,” says
Robert L. Jimenez, MD, Chair of the University
Health System Board of Managers.
According to George B. Hernandez, Jr., President
and CEO of University Health System, the merger is
the result of 14 months of research, planning, and
work by a team called the Joint Planning and
Operations Council. The JPOC was created in 2004
to promote and advance efforts recommended by
the City of San Antonio/Bexar County Citizen’s
Commission on City/County integration.
The 10 Metro Health clinic locations, which have
been providing such services as prenatal care, family
planning, well-child check-ups, senior health
exams, immunizations, and breast and cervical cancer
screenings, will now continue to provide these
services under the auspices of the University Health
System and are located at: Eastside, Kenwood, Old
Highway 90, Pecan Valley, South Flores, Zarzamora,
Westend Clinic of the Frank Garrett Center, Naco-Perrin, Ricardo Salinas, and the public health area
of the Bob Ross Senior Multi-Service Health and
Resource Center.
Local politicians were certainly involved in this
latest public health initiative.
“This is a smart move that reduces duplication,
improves efficiency, and saves taxpayer money,” says
Mayor Phil Hardberger. “Because we know that so
many of the health concerns in San Antonio are
linked to preventive medicine, consolidation allows
us to focus on this core mission.”
Metro Health will continue its crucial public
health mission by providing a variety of services,
including: health authority responsibilities for
Bexar County; population-based health services;
community health monitoring and investigations;
community-based preventive health services, such
as dental care and WIC services; communicable
disease control programs for STDs and tuberculosis;
food and environmental health programs;
maintenance of vital statistics, and leadership for
public health emergency preparedness.
University Health System will continue to work
closely with Metro Health on disaster planning,
and University Health System staff will continue
to be available to respond during public health
emergency situations.
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