(CMR) The Health Services Authority (HSA) said it is improving access to sustainable, high-quality primary health care for more people across the Cayman Islands by expanding the CayHealth program. The program will provide more personalized care with persons accessing their primary care physician in their districts.
CayHealth serves the most vulnerable persons in the community through specialized benefit medical insurance. This expansion now includes all recipients identified as being eligible to receive such healthcare benefits.
With the cost of healthcare and high-risk healthcare conditions common in this group, CayHealth said it is paramount that efficient, timely and cost-effective care is the foundation of its program. As such, improving clinical outcomes by improving access to care and wellbeing is the hallmark of CayHealth.
The CayHealth program is designed to ensure continuity of care by pairing individuals with an assigned general practitioner as their primary physician going forward. This provides the patient consistency in care when seeing their primary physician. Persons within the program can access care at the district health center where they reside and will be assisted with any referrals they may need for specialist care.
“Selecting a district health center and a preferred general practitioner will facilitate more personalized care. Having a personal physician who knows your complete medical history will provide consistency of care,” Director of Primary Health Care and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez said.
He added, “All recipients receiving specialized benefit medical insurance will receive personal correspondence from the HSA advising of the assigned physician assignment to a primary care physician (PCP) and further details on the program; this process has already begun”.
Clients residing in the Sister Islands will access care from any of the physicians at the Faith Hospital, and the assignment of a preferred general practitioner will be decided based on the physician from whom medical care is usually received.
FAQs about Cayhealth
-What is CayHealth?
A joint health initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the Cayman Islands and the Health Services Authority.
A program designed to provide access to a general practitioner who will be your primary care physician.
Your primary care physician will team with you to improve your access to healthcare and coordinate any referrals you may need for added care.
-Who is eligible for this program?
The program is offered to clients who are eligible for the specialized benefit medical insurance program, provided they meet all the criteria. This group will have elite access to the now expanded CayHealth program for specialized benefits medical insurance.
-Will CayHealth change my current medical benefits?
CayHealth will not reduce your health benefits in any way. In fact, the program will improve access to quality care.
-How will CayHealth change the way I get my medical care?
Through CayHealth you will have access to your primary care physician in your district. Your primary care physician will monitor your health and healthcare needs and provide more personalized care.
CayHealth will give patients the chance to participate in health education programs, such as diabetes education so they can take charge of their health.
Your primary care physician will determine whether your medical condition requires consultations with a specialist and will refer you accordingly.
The specialist physician will consult with your primary care physician (your personal physician) on any follow-up care which may be necessary.
-How do I find my primary care physician?
Staying with one physician means you will be able to build a strong relationship. This, in turn, allows your doctor to know and understand your healthcare needs better, ensuring that you receive the right care at the right time – securing better long–term health for you.
-Why is it best for me to stay with one physician?
While CayHealth encourage you to stay with one physician, it is not meant to limit you to a single practitioner.
-Can I change my primary care physician?
While we encourage you to stay with one physician, CayHealth is not meant to limit you to a single practitioner. All our physicians are qualified and skilled to provide you with quality health care, but if you want to change your primary care physician, you can discuss it with the nurse at the clinic or your doctor.
-How can I see my primary care physician?
You can book an appointment at your district health center
General Practice Clinic (at Smith Road Medical Centre) – Tel #:, 244-7520
West Bay Health Centre – Tel #: 949-3439
Bodden Town Health Centre – Tel #: 947-2299
East End Health Centre – Tel #: 947-7440
North Side Health Centre – Tel #: 947-9525
-What if my primary care physician is not available?
If your primary care physician is unavailable at any time, you will be helped by another physician. This physician will have access to your medical records, treatment plans, and medications prescribed.
-How can I see a physician when one is not available at my district health center?
When you need immediate medical attention, go to any other health center where a physician is present.
In the event of a medical emergency, go to our 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital or Faith Hospital.
-Do I have to use a primary care physician from the district health center in my district?
Primary care physicians are placed in the district health centers to provide easier access to healthcare services. HSA encourage you to seek medical care at the health center in your district. However, if it is convenient for you to seek care at another health center, you may do so in consultation with the nurse in charge of the clinic. The important thing is to continue care with the same physician as much as possible.
-What about accessing women’s health services?
CayHealth does not apply to women’s health services, and you will continue to access these services as usual.
-Where can I access a primary care physician in George Town for CayHealth?
At the George Town General Practice Clinic at the Smith Road Medical Centre. Appointment Only
-What about appointments for my child with a pediatrician?
CayHealth does not affect pediatric services, and you will continue to access these services as usual.
-Does having a primary care physician mean I cannot go to anyone else?
-Having a primary care physician does not prevent you from seeing anyone else. If your primary care physician is unavailable, you can get an appointment with another physician.
-What if I need to see a specialist?
Your primary care physician will refer you for a specialist appointment as needed. Having a physician who knows your medical history means you can receive the appropriate specialist care when you need it.
-Can I continue to see the specialist whom I am currently seeing?
Yes, you can continue. Going forward, your primary care physician and specialist will monitor your progress together and your primary care physician will help you with future arrangements as needed.
-What if I need a second opinion from another physician?
Health professionals respect the wishes of the patients. You can discuss that with your primary care physician or nurse at the clinic.
-What happens if I have built up a relationship with a physician in my district and then I move to another district? Will I have to change my primary care physician to one that serves the district I live in now?
Primary care physicians (general practitioners) are placed in the district health centers to provide easier access to healthcare. We encourage you to seek medical care at the health center in your district. However, if you want to continue seeing your primary care physician at another health center, let staff know so you can ensure continuity of care.
-How and where will I fill my prescriptions?
With CayHealth you can fill your prescriptions at your district health center. This means easy access and shorter waiting times. Prescriptions from the George Town General Practice location will be filled at HSA’s main pharmacy located at the Smith Road Medical Centre.
-How will Cayman Brac/Little Cayman residents benefit from CayHealth?
-All CayHealth’s components apply to residents in Sister Islands. There are currently five physicians providing care at Faith Hospital. The physician from whom you usually seek care will be your primary care physician.
A physician visits Little Cayman Clinic once a week. For details, please contact the clinic on 948-0072.
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