Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) Company Profile
Background
Mission and Vision
Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) is dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of low-income, uninsured individuals across 23 East Tennessee counties. By coordinating a network of local physicians, hospitals, and health clinics that volunteer their services, KAPA ensures that underserved populations receive essential medical care. The organization's mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, fostering a healthier community through collaborative efforts.
Primary Focus and Industry Significance
Since its inception in 2006, KAPA has been instrumental in providing comprehensive healthcare services to those lacking insurance coverage. The organization has coordinated over 1 million medical encounters, delivering more than $425 million in donated healthcare services to over 38,000 individuals. This extensive reach underscores KAPA's pivotal role in enhancing public health within the region.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives and Specialization
KAPA's primary objective is to facilitate access to healthcare for uninsured residents by linking them with a network of over 2,900 physicians and providers, including all area hospitals. The organization specializes in coordinating a full continuum of care, encompassing primary, specialty, and ancillary services, ensuring comprehensive medical support for its patients.
Targeted Conditions and Services
In January 2017, KAPA expanded its services through the "KAPA Connects" initiative, addressing social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, food security, substance dependency, and health literacy. This holistic approach aims to remove barriers that impede individuals from accessing necessary healthcare services.
Financials and Funding
Funding History and Utilization
KAPA operates as a program under the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The organization relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. For instance, since 2012, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and Community Trust have awarded KAPA grants totaling $202,500. These funds are utilized to coordinate donated healthcare services, provide case management, and address social service barriers for the uninsured population.
Pipeline Development
Service Expansion and Milestones
KAPA has continually expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of the community. The "KAPA Connects" initiative, launched in 2017, marked a significant milestone by integrating social services into the healthcare coordination model. This expansion has led to a 20% decrease in patients' social risk barriers and a 34% increase in physical activity among participants, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in improving overall well-being.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies and Methodologies
While KAPA's primary strength lies in its extensive network of healthcare providers and community partnerships, the organization leverages case management systems to coordinate care effectively. By integrating healthcare services with social support, KAPA employs a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both medical and social needs to improve health outcomes.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Danielle Sims, Executive Director: Oversees the strategic direction and operational management of KAPA, ensuring the organization's mission aligns with community needs.
- Michelle McCrory, Director of Patient Services: Manages patient enrollment and service coordination, focusing on delivering comprehensive care to the uninsured population.
- Laura Culotta, Director of Provider Relations: Cultivates and maintains relationships with healthcare providers, facilitating the donation of medical services.
- Scarlet Walker, Healthcare Manager: Oversees healthcare program implementation, ensuring quality and efficiency in service delivery.
- Macy Lloyd, Marketing Manager: Leads marketing and outreach efforts to raise awareness about KAPA's services and engage community support.
Leadership Changes
As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within KAPA's leadership team.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The healthcare access landscape in East Tennessee includes several organizations with missions similar to KAPA's, aiming to provide medical services to uninsured and low-income populations.
Competitor Analysis
- Southeast Tennessee Project Access: Serves uninsured residents in Southeast Tennessee by coordinating specialty medical care through a network of volunteer physicians and hospitals. The organization focuses on individuals who do not qualify for other programs, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention.
- Appalachian Mountain Project Access: Operates in the Appalachian Highlands, providing access to specialty medical care for low-income, uninsured residents. The organization coordinates a comprehensive system of healthcare services, addressing both medical and social needs.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Community and Healthcare Partnerships
KAPA's success is largely attributed to its extensive network of over 2,900 physicians, physician extenders, and all area hospitals that donate services. These partnerships enable KAPA to offer a full continuum of care to its patients. Additionally, collaborations with social service organizations through the "KAPA Connects" initiative have enhanced the organization's ability to address social determinants of health.
Operational Insights
Competitive Advantages
KAPA's physician-led model, under the leadership of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation, ensures strong engagement from the medical community. The organization's holistic approach, integrating medical care with social services, distinguishes it from competitors and enhances patient outcomes. Furthermore, KAPA's impressive return on investment (ROI) of 44:1 demonstrates operational efficiency and effective resource utilization.
