Latest news with #LeanderISD
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How 'Direct Primary Care' Works For Patients, Providers, And Payers
The number of Direct Primary Care practices has grown from about 500 in 2015 to more than 1,400 today. getty In my endless quest for delivery models that provide patients with easy access to high-quality and affordable primary care, I am driving through the Austin, TX suburb of Leander looking for a clinic operated by Frontier Direct Care. The first thing I notice is that it's very hard to find. Waze directs me to its address in a small strip center, but my destination appears to be occupied by a bar & grill. I nervously call Frontier's founder and CEO, Bibb Beale, who has agreed to meet me there and show me around. Fortunately, he picks up and assures me that the clinic is there, just behind the bar & grill. Checking again, I find the inconspicuous clinic, which has no external signage. It says 'Frontier Direct Care' in small letters on one of the double-entry doors and 'Leander ISD' on the other. The second remarkable thing I notice, walking in, is that there is no receptionist and no patients in the attractive but very quiet waiting room. Bibb explains that the reason for this is that the clinic is entirely dedicated to Leander Independent School District (ISD) employees (thus there is no need for it to be in a more visible retail location), and that approximately 13% of the 6,400 employees covered by their health plans have opted for this health benefit thus far—even though the clinic only opened a few months ago. Beale says that the clinic has eight physicians and advanced practice providers, so each provider would have a maximum of 800 patients in their panel (about 100 today) if all of Leander ISD's covered employees enrolled. Compare this to 1,500-2,500 patients in most traditional primary care practice panels. Frontier patients make in-person appointments online (they also initiate virtual appointments), and their dedicated provider meets them when they arrive, so no receptionist is required. 'How is it possible to provide this level of white glove care?' I ask. He tells me that it is because they don't take insurance or the related cost of processing claims, which are estimated to consume 10-15% of all healthcare-related expenses. Instead, they contract directly with Leander ISD (and other employers, and in other markets), which pays them a monthly per-employee fee to provide essentially unlimited primary care services to their employees who don't have to worry about deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs. The result is that patient satisfaction is very high (94 Net Promoter Score); providers like it because they have small patient panels, can spend more time with their patients, and don't have to spend any time on insurance-related administrative tasks (making it easy to recruit and retain, which is a huge benefit given widespread healthcare staffing challenges); and Leander ISD likes it because they have satisfied employees who are getting better and less expensive healthcare. This is the still-young but rapidly growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. It is different from also fast-growing 'Concierge' practices, in which providers shrink their patient panels and charge annual fees for preferential access but still largely depend on insurance reimbursements. The number of DPC practices has grown from about 500 in 2015 to more than 1,400 today, and annual membership growth—including both individual and employer-sponsored memberships—is estimated to be 30-40%. According to a 2024 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), about 9% of their members are practicing in a DPC today. 84 percent of DPC practices don't accept any form of insurance; monthly membership fees average $50-$100 for individuals and $100 or more for families; and two-thirds of DPC practices participate in employer-based contracts (while Frontier's Leander clinic is dedicated to a single client, they and other DPC providers frequently have multiple clients' employees sharing a clinic). 98 percent of the AAFP study physician respondents said they felt that the quality of care provided to patients was better in a DPC clinic than in conventional practices, and overwhelming numbers of the respondents felt that practicing in a DPC clinic improved professional and personal satisfaction (97%), their ability to practice medicine (94%), and their patient relationships (94%). The value proposition for employees, patients, and providers is not hard to understand, but how does DPC save money for employers in an era when employee benefit costs have been rising at a 5-6% rate and frequently are the fastest-growing line items in employer budgets? First, because DPC provides comprehensive primary care (the absence of which has been shown to be a key driver of healthcare costs) with a focus on preventive care, which frequently is not a priority for providers who accept insurance because insurance generally does not reimburse adequately for it. In any case, many providers don't have time to deliver preventive care because they are running so hard with large patient panels to maximize visit volume in order to be financially viable. In addition, since patients being treated in DPC practices don't have to worry about deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance, they are less likely to delay or skip important visits related to chronic conditions and other health issues that can turn into serious and expensive medical problems if not caught early and managed effectively. Research also shows that DPC patients are less likely to use more expensive forms of care, including ERs and specialists. Furthermore, the healthier employees that DPC enables through regular care from a dedicated and unhurried provider are more likely to be productive (increased presenteeism) and less likely to skip work (reduced absenteeism). Their ability to make appointments with little or no waiting increases productivity by reducing time away from worksites. Finally, offering DPC can be a differentiator in a tight labor market, and satisfied employees are less likely to leave their employers, reducing costly turnover. Employees who elect DPC for their primary care frequently couple it with High-Deductible Health Plans and other forms of insurance, so they are covered in case they need more complex care and/or high-cost drugs. However, some DPC providers—including Frontier—also help patients and their employers in these areas . Many DPC providers negotiate directly with prescription drug manufacturers and wholesalers, or work with Amazon Pharmacy, Good Rx, and other third parties to give their patients access to generic and other common medications at prices that are significantly less than what they would pay at retail pharmacies. Generic antibiotics and steroids, for example, sometimes cost DPC patients $5.00, or even less, and are dispensed at their clinics or shipped directly to their homes. DPC providers also negotiate discounted rates with local pharmacies, labs, and imaging centers as part of bundled service agreements. In addition, Frontier and other DPC providers also negotiate cash discounts for high-cost specialty drugs, specialist care, and hospital-based acute care. If these prices are less than what their employer clients would otherwise expect to pay through a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) or insurance company-operated Third-Party Administrator (TPA), clients reimburse their DPC partners outside of monthly fee arrangements, including small mark-ups. This is yet another way DPC providers help employers save money while providing access to high-quality care for their employees. It was hard to find Frontier's Direct Primary Care clinic, but I'm glad I did. No single healthcare delivery model works for everyone, but increasing access to primary care is critical to improving population health and reducing costs, and it's hard to find models that work for patients, providers, and payers. Direct Primary Care qualifies in this regard, and it deserves an increasingly prominent role in our nation's healthcare delivery system.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vandegrift student recognized by the governor for her volunteer work
The Brief Vandegrift High School junior recognized by Governor Greg Abbott for volunteer work Shreya Poladia turned her passion for art into an opportunity to help support people with special needs LEANDER, Texas - A Leander ISD student is being recognized by Governor Greg Abbott for her many years of volunteer work. The backstory Vandegrift High School junior Shreya Poladia decided to turn her passion for art into an opportunity to raise funds that will support people with special needs. "Each painting takes around two to three hours. So, I make around 80 to 90 paintings for each art show," says Poladia. The Poladia siblings share a special bond through art. While many siblings tend to have a bickering type of relationship, the Poladia's enjoy painting together. At a young age, Shreya knew she wanted to make a difference and make a social impact. She started an art for a cause non-profit called Shreya's Atelier Art for a Cause where she raises funds to donate back to organizations that support people with special needs "My brother has down syndrome and autism. He's had this since he was like a little kid," says Poladia. "It's inspired by my brother, Raj. I started it back in 2020 because he was having some medical issues along with the pandemic. He was struggling with that a little bit. And as a way to help deal with the stress, I started painting and doing art," says Poladia. Shreya hosts art shows in the spring inviting people to buy her artwork. In the past year she was able to raise over $5,000 towards the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. "I think it opened a dialog more for like there's like a lot of ignorance about disability and so I think it really helped people understand what Down Syndrome is or what is Autism. And I think she tried her best way to talk to people about it," says Deepali Poladia, Shreya's mother. For Shreya, autism awareness isn't just something she focuses on for one month. It's year round. "The fight for autism goes far beyond legislation. It calls for social acceptance, compassion, and proactive responsibility in removing variables to create spaces where people feel safe and comfortable to talk, in general," says Poladia. Her work hasn't gone unnoticed. Shreya was recognized as a recipient of the 41st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards. The awards celebrate the service and dedication of exceptional individuals, groups and organizations that have significantly impacted Texas communities through volunteering over the past year. "I'm really happy and I'm really proud of myself for getting the award. And I'd love to continue raising awareness for people with disabilities," says Poladia. What you can do To learn more about Shreya's non-profit you can click here. The Source Information from interview with Shreya Poladia.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Leander PD working ‘possible attempted child abduction', suspect at large
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Leander Police Department said it was working a 'possible attempted child abduction' Wednesday. The suspect is still at large, a post from the police department said. The incident happened at 3000 N. Lakeline Blvd. at an apartment complex, the police department said in a post. There may be police presence in the area. Police are looking for a white male, roughly 5'9″, thin build, short curly hair or bald. Police say he was described as wearing light colored shorts, a black shirt and no shoes. The man reportedly fled on foot from the apartment complex heading southbound. Police say that suspect is still at large as of their post this morning. 'No weapons were involved. The 4-year old child is safe and was not injured during this incident. Police are still actively looking for this suspect and we have a large police presence in the area, including drones and K-9. We are working closely with Leander ISD to ensure the safety of all students and staff in the area,' the police department posted. The Leander Police Department is asking you to call 512-528-2800 if you see someone matching the description of the suspect. You are asked not to approach or confront the suspect. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School vouchers distract from the real solutions that Texas public schools need
When my constituents sent me to the Capitol, they didn't send me there to play political games. Unfortunately, Gov. Greg Abbott seems to think that political theater is more important than the real needs of our communities. His current act involves pushing for school vouchers, a policy that has failed time and time again but still finds a place in the governor's script. Take the Leander Independent School District. This district in my own community recently announced an historic budget shortfall. The consequences are immediate: larger class sizes, worsening classroom conditions and more strain on our already overburdened educators. And yet, the governor's answer is to divert funding away from public schools through a private school voucher scam that would help less than 1% of those currently in public schools or homeschooling go to a private school. Leander ISD isn't alone. Also in my district, Round Rock ISD would lose nearly $19 million if vouchers pass. The impact? As many as 353 fewer teachers, 378,779 fewer library books, and a projected increase in student-teacher ratios of 7%. These aren't abstract figures; they're real consequences of a voucher system that harms the students who need help the most. MORE: Texas House education committee to take up revised Senate voucher bill The truth is, Abbott's voucher plan does nothing to address the real issues facing our schools. It diverts tax dollars away from public education into private institutions that don't serve the majority of Texas children. The result? His rich donors get richer, rich families get a discount on their private education and the rest of our kids lose opportunities. This isn't a solution. It's a scam. Vouchers have been tried and failed in every state where they've been passed. They have not reduced state spending or improved student outcomes. This isn't a coincidence; it's proof that vouchers don't increase a parent's choices or improve education. Instead, they distract from the real solutions needed to create a stronger public education system that keeps public dollars in public schools. A few weeks ago, more than 500 Texans registered to speak against Abbott's voucher scheme in the Texas House Public Education Committee, many waiting 20 hours to have their voices heard. Texans want a government that actually listens to the people it serves. And above all, they want elected officials who are more interested in doing their jobs than keeping them. Abbott's voucher scam is not the answer. It's a cash grab pushed by his biggest political donors, some of whom own private schools — at the expense of the children who need help the most. Instead of funneling public money into private institutions, we should be working to ensure every child in Texas has access to a quality public education. The curtain is coming down on this voucher charade. Texans are fed up with political theater that undermines their children's future. The act has gone on long enough. Now, it's time to write a new script — one that prioritizes public education and the future of all Texas children. Rep. John Bucy III is a Democrat whose district includes parts of northwest Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Vouchers distract from solutions Texas public schools need | Opinion
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leander ISD students upset with leadership for cutting programs due to budget deficit
The Brief Leander ISD held a special board meeting to give updates on impacts due to budget cuts Several students spoke on their frustrations with leaderships due to cutting programs The district announced it would cut more than 200 positions in an effort to overcome a $34M budget deficit LEANDER, Texas - In Thursday's special board meeting, Leander ISD gave updates on the potential impacts of budget cuts on the district's operations. This comes two weeks after the district announced cutting more than 200 positions district-wide in efforts to overcome a $34-million budget deficit. Lack of funding has put school districts like Leander ISD in a difficult position where they have to cut hundreds of positions and programs. RELATED COVERAGE: Concern grows after Leander ISD announces job cuts and school vouchers move past Senate Leander ISD looking to cut teacher, admin positions to make up budget deficit Local perspective The Leander ISD Board of Trustees reviewed its teacher salaries, made recommendations, and discussed budget projections for the year. "We really want to have as much open conversation as we can tonight about the situation we find ourselves in and how we're going to progress through the rest of this budget process," said Superintendent Bruce Gearing. Twenty public speakers attended the meeting, and a majority of them were students in the district. Every single speaker expressed their anger and emotion at the district's decision to cut the International Baccalaureate, or IB program, like Vandegrift sophomore, Sasha Peeters. Some even threatened to leave the district as a result. "Students needs must be your top priority and if that cannot be offered your claims of intention are distorted, IB may be the first, but I don't believe it'll be the last fight for us the students, our voices, thoughts and opportunities," said Peeters. The backstory This all comes as Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing says the state has not increased the basic allotment per student since 2019, despite inflation. "I just think it's wrong that they are withholding the money from the public schools, and I believe that they should give the money that is owed to the public schools from the governor," said Leander ISD parent, Saba Hernandez. The district has seen a reduced enrollment projection, which will ultimately bring the district less revenue than previously anticipated and will also result in a reduction in staffing positions. The next school year, the district will cut more than 200 positions. "We get funded by average daily attendance, so any student that chooses not to attend school in Leander ISD means that we get less state funding," said Gearing. Leander ISD'S decision to cut teachers, counselors and administrative roles comes as it tries to overcome a $34 million budget deficit. "All the teachers and people who have to lose their jobs, it's really unfortunate because they are here for the kids," said Hernandez. Leander ISD has its final budget approval in June. What we know On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 26, aimed at improving teacher pay and retention. The bill would grant teachers in districts like Leander a pay raise that would start at $2,500 and increase to $5,500 for teachers with experience. "This is a permanent commitment in the state budget to elevate the teaching profession in Texas and to raise their salaries," said Senator Creighton. The Source Information from Leander ISD school board meeting, Texas Legislative Session, and previous coverage
