Zika Care Connect: Establishing a Provider Network for the Management of Zika Virus

Background: Access to specialty care providers for the management of infants congenitally exposed to Zika virus is critical to ensure appropriate and coordinated care. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of specialty care has the potential to mitigate the long-term impact of Zika on children and families. Additionally, coordination of care and mental health services can assist and support affected families. Purpose: To improve access to recommended healthcare services for infants with congenital Zika virus infection through the development of a network of specialty care providers. Methods: Under CDC guidance, in February 2017, McKing Consulting Corporation initiated outreach to specialty care providers with expertise in the management of Zika-related birth defects. Ten jurisdictions (eight states and two US territories) were selected based on burden of overall Zika case count and barriers to care. Targeted provider specialties for infants include audiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and radiology. To identify interested providers, members of the Zika Care Connect (ZCC) program engaged professional healthcare associations, state health departments, academic health systems, and children’s hospitals in the selected jurisdictions. In consultation with state health departments, target areas for each state were identified based on local factors including the distribution of known Zika cases and availability of medical specialists. Providers affiliated with the same health system were sought to encourage care coordination. Once identified, they were contacted by phone to gauge willingness and capacity to participate. Providers could voluntarily self-enroll in the online network through the ZCC website. Results: The jurisdictions selected for ZCC were California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. As of April 5, 2017, a total of 157 specialty care providers for infants have enrolled in the ZCC provider network, located across 20-30 target areas in the states and throughout populated areas of the territories. 14% (n=22) of providers are audiologists, 18% (n=29) are neurologists, 20% (n=31) are ophthalmologists, 3% (n=5) are radiologists, and 45% (n=70) are other specialists. Recruitment will begin in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in April 2017. Data analysis regarding the characteristics and geographic distribution of the providers, type of medical practice setting, and ability to offer coordinated care is ongoing and will also be presented. Conclusions: Zika Care Connect (ZCC) establishes a web-based network of healthcare providers dedicated to the care of families affected by Zika. The ZCC provider network is designed to help families of affected infants receive recommended services and long-term follow-up by providing access to a network of providers with multiple medical specialties. Primary care clinicians will also benefit from the identification and access to specialty care providers through the ZCC provider network.