1. Sandra K. Tyson, Ph.D.
Projects Conducted Since 10/2012
1
Texas Medicaid Network Access Improvement Program (NAIP)
The purpose of this program is to provide enhanced medical services to at-risk and low-income
populations. The UT Health Science Center-Houston has had 21 projects approved under this
mechanism. These projects include: Implementation of 4 new community health and wellness centers
(CHWC) in areas with underserved populations; Implementation of a medical home for high-risk infants;
Implementation of a medical home and clinic serving patients with sickle cell disease; Training for
medical staff in serving patients with intellectual development disabilities; and Integration of behavioral
healthcare with primary care in two clinics in areas with underserved populations.
Funding: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Project Period: 2015-2016, with yearly renewal thereafter based on actuarial soundness
Role: Executive Director
Texas 1115 Medicaid Transformation Waiver, Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program
(DSRIP), UTHSC-Houston
The purpose of this program is to implement healthcare delivery transformation projects that increase
access to quality care. The UT Health Science Center-Houston has participated in this program,
implementing 22 projects as follows: Expansion of primary care in 4 community-based clinics (CBCs);
Training of family practice interns in patient-centered medical homes; Training and placement of
community health workers; Implementation of a Chronic Disease Registry; Implementation of a 24-hour
Nurse Triage Line; Implementation of a new primary care clinic in an underserved area of North
Houston; Expansion of specialty care services in 4 CBCs; Establishment of a quality improvement office;
Implementation of a new primary care clinic in an underserved area of North Harris County; Expansion
of specialty care services in North Houston and North Harris County; Implementation of patient-
centered medical homes in 4 CBCs; Implementation of the coordinated care model in UT Physicians
clinics; Implementation of a Regional Patient Navigation program; Integration of palliative care into
critical care; Implementation of a patient medication therapy program; Implementation of a transitions
of care program for cancer surgery patients, patients admitted to the hospital with DKA, and pediatric
patients with diabetes graduating to adult care; Integration of adult behavioral healthcare with primary
care in 4 CBCs; Integration of pediatric behavioral healthcare with primary care in 4 CBCs; Expansion of
pediatric trauma-informed behavioral healthcare in underserved areas; Implementation of a community
health and wellness center (CHWC) in an area with underserved populations; Implementation of a
comprehensive maternal health program; and Implementation of a medical home for at-risk and post-
detention teens. We are also providing oversight for 4 projects similar to these being implemented in
South Texas.
Funding: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Project Period: 2012-2016
Role: Executive Director