EQuIP-LA makes a compelling case to invest in the small medical practices that Californians already trust

EQuIP-LA was a two-year collaborative launched in 2023 to support small, independent practices in Los Angeles that serve a significant portion of Medi-Cal patients (California’s Medicaid program). Historically, these practices have had fewer opportunities to develop quality improvement (QI) skills compared to other safety-net organizations. EQuIP-LA provided funding, technical assistance, individualized coaching, and data support through a train-the-trainer model that reached 31 practices that care for over 50,000 Medi-Cal enrollees.

EQuIP-LA demonstrated that focused investment, tailored support, and a commitment to health equity can drive meaningful improvements for independent practices serving the safety net—advancing both quality outcomes and the capacity to sustain change. 

Some highlights of the findings:

• Most practices significantly improved in three clinical measures related to high blood pressure, diabetes, and colorectal cancer screening.  Effective strategies included proactive patient outreach, patient education, improved workflow documentation, and at-home screening kits.
• Practices strengthened foundational primary care capabilities. Most capability assessment domain scores notably improved (e.g., engaged leadership, data-driven improvements), and most practices achieved the maximum score in at least one domain.
• Organizations that provided coaching to practices strengthened relationships and built internal capacity. The train-the-trainer model of supporting coaches, who in turn assisted independent practices, expanded internal QI and data infrastructures, enhanced coaching skills, and deepened relationships with practices.

Health equity was embedded throughout EQuIP-LA’s design, from recruiting practices serving diverse populations to incorporating patient-family engagement. Participants implemented concepts such as data stratification, tailored patient outreach, and social health screening.

This initiative shows big promise not only in improving health outcomes and health equity, but it has the potential to help health plans save money in the long run.

More information is available:

Final Evaluation Report	Evaluation Report Executive Summary

Reach out to us if you want to learn more: Lisa.M.Schafer@kp.org.