In Puerto Rico’s complex healthcare and financial consulting landscape, one firm has emerged as a pillar of integrity and patient-focused innovation when assessing different medical care providers who collectively serve over 500,000 lives. CRA Financial & Consulting Group, founded by Carmen Ramos de Alba, CPA, is a standout organization that has reshaped the way healthcare stakeholders think about operational strategy, compliance, community impact, and the power of data-driven solutions. As CRA approaches its 25th anniversary, supported by a team of over 150 employees, it stands on a legacy of empathy, an unyielding commitment to enhancing health equity and overcoming cost constraints. Ramos de Alba, a veteran health sector consultant, has always taken a patient-first view of the industry in support of the services provided by clients. “Everything I have done as part of my more than 35 years providing assessment to health industry components is geared to solve challenges that govern healthcare delivery, while at the same time promote the full health of the patient,” says Ramos de Alba. Improving Health Literacy and Adherence CRA’s consulting services are comprehensive, encompassing strategic planning, quality control, administrative streamlining, and compliance solutions for hospitals, medical groups, and federally qualified health centers. It is distinguished by the way it addresses the broader context in which healthcare is delivered. Ramos de Alba was among the early voices highlighting the role of social determinants in health outcomes, long before the idea gained traction in public policy discussions. In 2015, this foresight led to the creation of the CRA Call Center, a pioneering initiative designed to help patients overcome barriers to attending medical appointments or adhering to prescriptions. The service educates, engages and provides a human touch modern healthcare systems should have. By anticipating the needs of patients—especially those from vulnerable populations—the call center became a cornerstone of CRA’s approach to improving health literacy and adherence. During 2024, it reached a record high of over one million calls, demonstrating human touch is highly effective to serve the needs of patients over 65 years of age, who are at the time 28% of Puerto Rico’s population, while integrating technology to better serve younger generations....Read more