SPOTLIGHT: Post-Katrina safety-net clinic approach could work nationally

How can a health system absorb--and finance--the endless healthcare needs arising from a tragedy like Hurricane Katrina? New research suggests that the safety-net clinics put in place in New Orleans were relatively effective and efficient, despite serving largely low-income and uninsured patients, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report. Commonwealth analysts suggest that the post-Katrina primary-care model, which relies on a large network of local clinics funded by state and federal governments, works well if they're given financial incentives to improve care. Report