The Wright Center’s Recognized for Patient-Centered Care Members News February 27, 2024 Two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s primary and preventive care practices in Lackawanna County recently received commendations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit Practice, 1145 Northern Blvd., S. Abington Township, and The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, each has again maintained certification for NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition, acknowledging that they have the tools, systems, and resources to provide patients with the right care at the right time. Four Wright Center practices have retained the NCQA voluntary accreditation in recent months. Late last year, the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre practices were notified of their successful retainment of the recognition seal. Every year, the practice locations undergo a formal review to ensure they remain in compliance with the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s high standards. NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Its Patient-Centered Medical Home program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Association, and others. It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. The Patient-Centered Medical Home model is designed to allow patients and their care teams to build better relationships, help patients to more effectively control chronic conditions, and improve the overall patient experience. In addition, the model has been shown to increase staff satisfaction and reduce health care costs. For the public, the NCQA accreditation is a signal that The Wright Center for Community Health maintains a focus on quality improvement and has key processes in place so its clinics are prioritizing the needs of patients. “We are proud to retain this recognition seal at our four larger practices,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, chief medical and information officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “The NCQA seal lets the public know we are doing all we can to put patients at the forefront of care, including by opening these clinics outside traditional business hours to meet people’s primary care needs.” In particular, Dr. Sheth credited the work being done by The Wright Center’s employees to use a team-based delivery system and information technology to coordinate care and get the best results possible for patients. The Mid Valley Practice’s certification carries an additional NCQA distinction in behavioral health integration. This recognition is for practices that have proven they have the appropriate care team in place to manage the broad needs of patients with conditions related to behavioral health. “Many times, behavioral health conditions are first identified by a primary care provider,” said Margaret E. O’Kane, NCQA president. “So, adding behavioral health care services in a primary care setting is a real opportunity for patients. It knocks down barriers to behavioral care and improves overall health.” The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, typically giving patients the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. The Wright Center accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. For more information about The Wright Center’s practice locations, hours, and many services, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
