Meet Dr. Laura Clapper, Market Medical Director, CCA Health California
June 21, 2023
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As the medical director for CCA Health California, Dr. Clapper provides clinical leadership to the health plan including to the quality, clinical operations, and provider network development teams. She works closely with the health plan’s providers and clinical experts to improve the health and well-being of its Medicare members.
CCA Health California’s goal is to meet each member’s needs holistically through its unique integrated care model. This includes medical care, pharmacy, mental health, and social support services.
“We work in a close partnership with our Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) and providers to ensure that our members get the right care at the right time and in the right place,” she said.
She views her role as one focused on long-term health strategy.
“A key aspect for the medical director is coaching and supporting our providers to make sure that our members are getting the highest quality care and the best experience. That means members are being treated with respect and having their specific concerns addressed,” she explained.
One of her priorities is to diligently track important information for providers so they can understand the big picture, see opportunities for health improvement, and be aware of community resources that are available.
In addition, addressing healthcare barriers is a key initiative for Dr. Clapper and her team. She explains that health literacy and digital access inequities are some of the biggest obstacles in healthcare today. As life continues to move online, this obstacle must be addressed.
“Whether it’s signing up as a member, scheduling an appointment, or messaging your provider’s office, healthcare today requires access to technology and the ability to use it. Not everyone has that, and the lack of access impacts the care our members receive,” she explains.
CCA Health California members may experience other issues, including loneliness, mental health needs, transportation challenges, and food insecurity. Collaboration with community organizations is critical for addressing the many concerns that this population may experience. CCA Health California’s uncommon care® model is designed to do just that.
Dr. Clapper brings a wealth of experience to her role, which she assumed in 2022. Prior to joining CCA Health California, she served in the U.S. Navy. She has also held leadership roles with several large healthcare organizations. These positions have allowed her to hone her skills in business development, operations, behavioral health integration, clinical informatics, and innovative care model development. Her career has also been focused on clinical strategy and integrating technology into healthcare. Today, she serves as a mentor for the Stanford Clinical Informatics Management Master’s Program, helping to educate the next generation of clinicians on the importance of using data to improve the health of our communities.
She was drawn to CCA Health California because of its mission: improving the health and well-being of people with significant needs. “The team at CCA Health California is the best I have worked with,” she said. “Team members are focused on how we can deliver the best care and experience for our members in collaboration with our provider partners. They believe in the mission and making a difference in people’s lives.”
For Dr. Clapper, the plan’s community focus sets it apart.
“Community has always been important to me. Growing up, I was very involved with community volunteer work. Before attending medical school, I was an administrator at a community clinic. I’ve worked closely with community health workers. I am committed to bringing holistic healthcare to the community,” she said.
Dr. Clapper says the opportunity to improve and enhance the healthcare system drives her.
“In college, I took a class on the healthcare ecosystem,” she said. “To this day, I feel inspired to make the system work better for the members in terms of quality, affordability, patient experience, and equity while also being a positive experience for providers.”
In the future, Dr. Clapper is looking forward to helping CCA Health California increase the reach of its mission. She hopes to serve more people who need community-based care and support.
When she is not working, Dr. Clapper spends time having fun with friends and family. She also loves to read and has been a member of the same book club for the past 20 years. She also loves adventure travel. Most recently, she visited Patagonia to hike its famous W trek.
