The Texas Association of City & County Health Officials along with key stakeholders is embarking on a journey to explore strategies and implement actions for modernizing local public health systems that focuses on enhancing billing infrastructure and identifying sustainable models for public health to participate in, and be reimbursed through, the broader healthcare system.
To address these needs, a comprehensive strategy is required. The Texas Association of City & County Health Officials – Infrastructure Initiative will focus on the following key objectives:
- Assess Business Development Needs: Conduct an environmental scan of LHDs across Texas to identify their specific business development and billing infrastructure needs, including existing capabilities, knowledge gaps, and barriers to participation in the broader healthcare reimbursement system.
- Establish a Network of Partners: Create a collaborative network that includes LHDs,
academic institutions, philanthropic funding partners, managed care organizations, and the Texas Health & Human Services. This network will facilitate knowledge sharing, resource allocation, and the development of standardized best practices for billing and reimbursement. - Develop an Action Plan: Based on the environmental scan, create a detailed action plan. The plan should outline a series of educational and training opportunities, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources to address the identified business development needs. This could include workshops, webinars, and on-site consultations.
- Identify Credible Resources: Secure funding and identify expert consultants with proven experience in healthcare billing, finance, and public health systems. These consultants will provide the specialized education and training needed to empower LHD staff.
This initiative will not only build the capacity of individual LHDs but also strengthen the entire public health system in Texas, making it more agile, sustainable, and better equipped to improve community health outcomes.
View the full report to learn more.