Innovations by primary care health centers: lessons for managers and policy makers

This article highlights results from the evaluation of The Program to Strengthen Primary Care Health Centers, and suggests some directions for public policy. Program participants reported substantial improvements in financial viability, given the relatively small monetary investment. Technical assistance in the development of innovations, however, appears to dampen creativity and ultimately hinder financial gains. Recommendations address improved physician retention, the development of professional expertise, the importance of attention to long-range objectives, the related problems of excess capacity and surplus patient demand, and the integration of primary care health centers into managed care systems and health networks.