State Health Department Continues to Assist Soundview Patients to Ensure Access to Quality Health Care
Department establishes toll-free help line for patients
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 18, 2012) – New York State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. today directed his Department to provide whatever resources are necessary to ensure that residents of the Bronx and patients of Soundview Health Care Network continue to have access to quality health care. These actions are in response to Soundview largely, if not completely ceasing operations.
"The Department of Health is doing everything in its power to make sure every Soundview patient and all residents of the Bronx who have relied on Soundview continue to receive the quality health treatment they deserve. DOH's top priority is making sure all New Yorkers have access to viable and quality options to receive the care they need, and we will not let the failure of the Soundview leadership come in the way of this important mission," said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H.
- DOH has surveyed the area's health care providers to identify alternatives for providing access to care for individuals in the Bronx. Eleven health care networks with multiple site locations in the area have been contacted; they are available and equipped to provide appropriate care.
- The Department has established a Help Line telephone number to assist individuals who have questions or concerns regarding where to receive appropriate treatment and services as well as how to access their medical records. The number will be operational tomorrow at 9am (Saturday, May 19).
- Soundview patients are directed to call 1-866-976-3526. Operators will answer questions regarding Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicare or Medicare Advantage, commercially insured or uninsured.
In addition, DOH continues to monitor the activities of Soundview Health Center.
