Eskenazi Health addresses pain reassessment disparities and value-based care challenge

The City Council of Indianapolis convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss significant updates from the Health & Hospital Corporation Board, focusing on quality improvements and financial strategies at Eskenazi Health.

The meeting began with a report from Jen Weatherspoon, the director of quality for Eskenazi Health, who highlighted a new pain reassessment project. This initiative, part of the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research, aims to address disparities in pain management identified through a 2023 Joint Commission survey. The findings revealed that English-speaking patients were more likely to receive follow-up assessments for pain, indicating a language disparity in care. Weatherspoon emphasized the importance of acknowledging and quantifying these disparities to implement effective interventions. The approach mirrors previous successful efforts to reduce disparities in food insecurity screening, which decreased from 16% to 1.4% over three years.

Weatherspoon also provided an update on the transition to value-based care, moving away from traditional fee-for-service models. This shift will focus on quality measures that prioritize preventive services and chronic care management. Additionally, she discussed the new CMS age-friendly hospital measure aimed at improving care for patients aged 65 and older, addressing challenges such as medication management and frailty screening.

Following Weatherspoon's presentation, the council received an update on Eskenazi Health's financial status. The discussion included strategies to navigate current budget challenges while leveraging the organization's strengths, such as a robust primary care model and increased patient trust. Notably, primary care volumes have surged by 153% over the past eight years, and the percentage of commercially insured patients has risen to 18%. The council noted that Eskenazi Health has achieved a cumulative financial improvement of $175 million over the last eight years, positioning it as a leader among safety net health systems.

The meeting concluded without further questions, marking a productive session focused on enhancing health equity and financial sustainability within the community's healthcare system.