Trustees approve Paradigm Medi-Cal contract renewal amid staff concerns about data-entry burden

The Washington Unified board approved a three-year renewal with Paradigm Healthcare Services to provide Medi-Cal claiming and consulting services, a contract staff said helps the district recoup federal Medi-Cal reimbursements for services delivered by nurses, speech-language pathologists and other providers.

Autry (Audrey) Streak and staff described Paradigm's role as the district's agent for Medi-Cal administrative and direct service claiming. The contract was presented as not to exceed $60,000 per year for a total of $180,000 over three years and paid from resource code 9005 and the general fund.

Several staff and public commenters told trustees the platform places a time burden on providers. Speech-language pathologist Dina Malkin provided a concrete example: "We're talking every child every session... if you do the math, we're talking 1 to 3 minutes a child... that's 54 minutes," she said, estimating the system reduces available direct-service time. Trustees asked staff whether user testing and feedback were solicited, and whether state DHCS resources might mitigate cost and time demands. District staff said the issue is discussed at the county level and that training is being provided; they committed to follow up with more specific user feedback and to explore alternatives.

Board members approved the renewal, noting it's a requirement to participate in Medi-Cal claiming and asking staff to return with more detail about implementation, training and any pilot findings that demonstrate staff time impacts.