California’s Department of Health Care Services has proposed an initiative designed to move away from the current fee-for-service payment system, which traditionally rewards providers for volume of services, rather than quality of care. This new system, the California Federally Qualified Health Center Alternative Payment Model (FQHC APM), aims to prioritize high-quality and cost-effective care that is coordinated, team-based, and best meets patients’ needs.

This guide is for FQHC leaders and staff that are considering or currently participating in the California FQHC APM. The guide provides practical resources for reimagining and redesigning how FQHCs can successfully deliver care in the FQHC APM. By reading this guide, leaders and staff can learn how their participation impacts their FQHC at all levels, from leadership to patients. It can also help FQHCs identify key focus areas, set priorities, determine staffing, and both build and expand staff competencies.