Crescent Community Health Center

Background

Crescent Community Health Center (Crescent) is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) located in Dubuque, Iowa. Established in 2006, Crescent is dedicated to providing high-quality, respectful, affordable, and comprehensive medical, dental, and brain health services to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The center operates on a patient-centric model, ensuring that individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to essential healthcare services.

Key Strategic Focus

Crescent's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Accessibility: Ensuring all individuals, irrespective of their financial status, have access to quality healthcare services.

Collaboration: Partnering with other providers and agencies to enhance the breadth and depth of services offered.

Diversity and Dignity: Valuing diversity and upholding the dignity of each person.

Quality: Delivering the highest standard of care through education, prevention, and treatment.

Advocacy: Representing the needs of the community and promoting the right to quality healthcare for all.

Service: Providing services that reflect a commitment to meeting the needs of each client.

Support: Fostering community support to address the needs of all individuals in the tri-state area.

Education and Empowerment: Educating patients to improve self-efficacy and promote behaviors necessary for optimal health outcomes.

Financials and Funding

Crescent's financial structure is supported by multiple revenue streams:

Federal Grants: As an FQHC, Crescent receives federal funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, which significantly contributes to personnel costs.

Patient Services Revenue: This includes insurance reimbursements, the 340B drug program, and gains from endowments. In 2017, patient services revenue totaled just over $4 million.

Donations: Representing a smaller portion of revenue, donations are utilized to fund patient services not covered by other sources, such as health education, interpreter services, transportation assistance, and specialty care for uninsured children.

In the fiscal year ending October 2023, Crescent reported:

Revenue: $23.1 million

Expenses: $20.5 million

Net Assets: $19.2 million

Pipeline Development

Crescent continually seeks to expand and enhance its services. Notable developments include:

Brain Health Services: Initiated in 2019, focusing on conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Patient visits for brain health services increased from 500 in 2019 to 6,182 in 2021.

Facility Expansion: In 2019, Crescent relocated to a new facility at 1690 Elm Street, significantly increasing its capacity to serve patients and centralize health offerings.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Crescent integrates various technological platforms and methodologies to enhance patient care:

Electronic Health Records (EHR): Implementing EHR systems to streamline patient information management and improve care coordination.

Telehealth Services: Expanding telehealth capabilities to provide remote consultations, especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patient Portal: Offering a secure online portal for patients to access their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers.

Leadership Team

Crescent's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the organization's mission:

Gary Collins: Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Marco Rouman: Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Lydia Goodson: Dentist

Heather Kruse: Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Jeffry Breitbach: Dentist

These leaders bring a wealth of experience in healthcare management and clinical services, contributing significantly to Crescent's growth and service quality.

Leadership Changes

Crescent has experienced leadership transitions to strengthen its operations. Notably, in 2019, the organization moved to a new facility, enhancing its capacity and centralizing services, reflecting a strategic shift in leadership focus.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Community health centers (CHCs) in the United States play a crucial role in providing integrated primary care and public health services to low-income and uninsured populations. CHCs serve as a safety net, ensuring comprehensive care is accessible to all, regardless of income or insurance status.

Competitor Analysis

In the Dubuque area, Crescent's primary competitors include:

Riverview Center: Focuses on providing support and services to individuals affected by sexual and domestic violence.

MedOne Pharmacy Services: Offers pharmacy services and medication management.

While these organizations serve different primary functions, they contribute to the broader healthcare ecosystem in the region.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Crescent actively engages in collaborations to enhance service delivery:

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation: In December 2022, Crescent received $850,000, with an additional $850,000 matching grant, to expand oral health services, including oral surgery and pediatric care.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque: Manages an endowment fund supporting Crescent's mission and services.

Operational Insights

Crescent's strategic considerations include:

Community-Centric Approach: Remaining in the same area where over 65% of patients live below the federal poverty level, ensuring services are accessible to those in need.