Each quarterly newsletter, we like to include a success story highlighting one of our contracted network providers, and how they work closely with us to better serve UnitedHealthcare members. This quarter, we’re featuring Greater Philadelphia Health Action.
Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. (GPHA), is a nonprofit organization that provides medical, dental, behavioral health care and pharmacy services to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Dr. Arnelle Lloyd, the chief dental officer of GPHA, launched the dental department in 2007 with 4 dental sites and only 3 dentists. The practice has since grown to include 8 dental suites with 12 dentists on staff.
GPHA strives to provide its patients with what they call a total health care home. This emphasis on comprehensive care ensures that patients are seen as whole people, not just there to get their dental needs met.
When a patient arrived at their dental appointment with a lot of stress and signs of bruxism, GPHA set her up for an appointment with their behavioral health department. The patient got an appointment with a psychologist, taking care of her mental health as well as her physical health. Conversely, when patients are prescribed medication that can cause dry mouth and eventual dental complications, their dentist at GPHA is notified so that this possible side effect can be accounted for in their dental care plan. This exemplary integration of care is what makes GPHA special.
Dr. Lloyd tells us that to work at GPHA, “you have to be public-health oriented. We’re dealing with people in pain, so we have to be warm. Let them know we are here to help them and treat them how we would like to be treated.” Her advice to other practices is that to provide good care, everything must revolve around the patient.