DC Practice Is First to Receive NCQA Recognition
First Chiropractic Center in Yankton, South Dakota, recently became the first chiropractic practice to receive Patient Centered Connected Care recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
This distinction comes to the 34-year-old practice started by Dr. Thomas D. Stotz (NCC '79) in 1982, which has grown to include Dr. James C. Fitzgerald and Dr. Sheila K. Fitzgerald in 1993, and Dr. Thomas J. Stotz, in 2006 after his graduation from National University.
NCQA's Patient-Centered Connected Care Recognition program supports clinical integration and communication between various entities that deliver treatment to patients but are not necessarily their primary care provider (urgent care centers, worksite or retail clinics, etc.). In addition, certifications, such as
Dr. Thomas Stotz and Dr. T.J. Stotz
that from the NCQA, are increasingly forming a foundation for third-party payment qualification, especially with the new goals set forth under the Affordable Care Act.
For the First Chiropractic Center, announcement of the recognition made front-page headlines in the Yankton daily newspaper. “It showed our patients that we have gone the extra mile to make our practice 'patient centered,' and raised awareness from the medical community about how chiropractors can be part of their team to help them keep costs lower with excellent patient satisfaction ratings,” says Dr. Thomas D. Stotz.
Providers seeking Patient Centered Connected Care recognition must meet a minimum score across five standards, which took a lot of time and effort on the part of the Dr. Stotz's team. However, he credits his involvement with Best Practices Academy for helping their group navigate the application process, and encourages other interested chiropractic physicians to start there for information on how to gain compliance.
This latest advancement for his practice is just one of the many changes Dr. Stotz has experienced since his graduation from NCC in 1979, and starting as an associate with Dr. James G. Green (NCC '67) in Vermillion, South Dakota, where they charged $12 for an adjustment and therapy.
Dr. Stotz remembers and cherishes the early days when there were no computers and very little paperwork. “We submitted claims to Medicare twice per year, and Blue Shield once per year on a ledger with abbreviations for exams, adjustments, X-rays, and therapies. I remember being a bit irate when we were asked to 'itemize' those on a separate line on the ledger. What! Waste all that paper!,” he quips.
“In the mid '80s, the arrival of the computer was supposed to make things easier. Yet, I spent two-three hours on the computer every night after patients were gone, reconciling transactions for the day,” he adds. “Today, I often tell my patients that I used to be a full time doctor, but now I am a half-time doctor and half-time data entry technician!” admits Dr. Stotz.
So why would he decide to apply for recognition with the NCQA Patient Centered Connected Care recognition, given the extra effort in data tracking involved with the program?
“When asked, I simply reply that someone has to take the initiative to 'plant a tree under whose shade you will never sit.' For me, it is all about keeping an important and vital healthcare choice for our patients as we move our profession forward to insure the viability, respect, and success of future doctors,” Dr. Stotz answers.
“When you consider the pioneers of our profession that went to jail on our behalf, the work needed to be the first chiropractors in the nation to receive NCQA's recognition seems pale in comparison,” adds Dr. Stotz. “It is an extreme honor to have achieved this level of recognition - but then who else would do it other than a National grad!”
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