Community partnerships are a top priority for Family Health West (FHW) as they strive to support and improve the health and well-being of the residents they serve. Partnerships with Colorado Mesa University (CMU) to offer medical students’ hands-on experience in FHW health facilities; a once-a-month, volunteer trash clean-up program within the City of Fruita led by staff; and a commitment to value-based care with Monument Health are just a handful of examples of Family Health West’s commitment to residents in western Colorado. Family Health West’s partnership with Monument Health is two-fold. In addition to being a preferred provider partner, FHW is a Monument Health member offering health insurance options to their employees.

As a provider partner, Monument Health members have access to Family Health West’s providers and hospital, and the physicians within FHW provide value-based care focusing on the health outcomes of their patients while working to reduce the overall cost of care. Organizations like School District 51, for example, which is a participant in the Monument Health network beginning in 2023, can use the FHW medical and healthcare services at Tier 1 costs to the patient. 

“That’s a great benefit to our community who really like how we provide services, care for patients, invest in healing, and have short wait times,” Kimber Barnes, HR Director at FHW, said.

The second part of the great relationship between Monument Health and Family Health West is the fact that Family Health West is also an employer partner with Monument Health, meaning their employees are also members and receive their healthcare tiering through the Monument Health network providers as Tier 2 services, should they choose services outside of FHW directly. 

“Giving our employees and our community another option in their healthcare wellness remains at the heart of our organization,” relayed Kimber Barnes. “If employees cannot have a service performed at Family Health West, the Monument Health network is the next best option for care services at affordable pricing.”

“It’s a win-win, when our partners understand and fully embrace the value of Monument Health at all levels—as providers and employees. Value-based care is an entirely new way of delivering healthcare with a focus on prevention and our partnership with Family Health West is moving the needle while delivering incredible, high quality care. We’re grateful to have their support and membership,” stated Monument Health’s Executive Director Ashley Thurow. 

Family Health West, located in Fruita, Colorado, is a partner and member of Monument Health. To learn more about their services, visit familyhealthwest.org.