Loading Events

« All Events

Public-Private Partnerships: A Cost-Saving Model to Efficiently End Multiple Public Health Epidemics

March 19 @ 4:00 pm5:30 pm

Congenital syphilis is a completely preventable condition that imposes a significant clinical and financial burden on our current strained healthcare system. In response to rising infection rates in Miami-Dade County, Homestead Hospital (HH) implemented an innovative, Electronic Health Record-integrated Syphilis Screening Algorithm in 2019, embedded within its existing routine HIV and Hepatitis C testing infrastructure. Prioritizing pregnancy-related indicators, the system uses the Reverse Sequence Algorithm to enable early detection and treatment, particularly among pregnant patients. This initiative is supported by a public-private partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, ensuring seamless linkage to post-discharge prevention services.

Between 2018 and 2021, HH averted 15 cases of congenital syphilis, translating to an estimated $1.8 million in healthcare cost savings. Statewide adoption of the model across 12 hospitals contributed to the prevention of 275 cases from 2019 to 2024, with an estimated cost aversion of nearly $33 million. Beyond the significant financial impact, the program exemplifies a scalable, equity-driven approach to public-private partnership interventions. Through the automation of screening and integrating services, it reduces provider bias, enhances early interventions, and supports sustainable epidemic control. Policy updates to support bundled billing and reimbursement are essential for broader implementation and long-term sustainability.

Session Details

Commercial Support Acknowledgement

This conference is supported, in part, by independent educational grants from ineligible companies. A full list of supporters is available here. All accredited content has been developed and delivered in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence and the criteria of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education™, and is free of commercial bias.