News & Notices

April 2024 -- Family Practice Center, PC has achieved certification by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) for the 10^th year in a row. Primary Healthcare Offices that earn AAAHC Certification demonstrate a dedication to high-quality patient health care and become part of an elite force of organizations that prioritize quality for their patients and staff.

Status as an organization that has earned certification means Family Practice Center PC has met the highest level of nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC.

1095 Strong is a transformational movement and call-to action spearheaded by the AAAHC to equip ambulatory leaders with the best of what they need to operationalize quality practices. The three-year, or 1,095-day period between certifications, is a critical time when ambulatory health organizations, with help from proven experts, can develop the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in quality care to their patients. Organizations, such as Family Practice Center PC that earn AAAHC Certification embody the 1095 Strong, quality everyday philosophy, an ongoing commitment to high-quality care and patient safety.

While the onsite survey is an important component of the process, ongoing compliance and continuous improvement are part of the certification maintenance mindset that a facility should integrate into its daily activities long after the survey has been completed. AAAHC Certification demonstrates the use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, ongoing performance improvement strategies, and an effective organizational infrastructure aimed at providing safe and effective care.

Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Williard, regarding Family Practice Center’s AAAHC Certification, said: “We are thrilled to achieve AAAHC certification and sustain for the 10^th year in a row. AAAHC certification is a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to our mission of exceptional and compassionate care.  This signifies that our organization prioritizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring the highest quality care and safety for our community.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking AAAHC Certification undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care. The survey is peer-based and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

About Family Practice Center, PC
Founded in 1973, Family Practice Center, PC, is a large group of primary care physicians in Central Pennsylvania committed to the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model for delivering high-quality health care by partnering with patients, alongside their families and caregivers, to improve treatment outcomes. In other words – the patient – is the center of our attention. For more information about FPC, please visit www.fpcdoctors.com.

It all started with a dream of one man who wanted to bring quality health care to patients in Pennsylvania. In 1973, Charles P. Fasano, D.O., moved to Mifflinburg, the hometown of his wife, Rhoda Reidell, to establish a medical practice on Market Street at the office site of the late Dr. John Purnell.

Dr. Fasano worked as a solo family practitioner until 1980, when he partnered with Dominick Ronco, D.O. The practice then became Known as Fasano & Ronco, D.0. P.C. Fun Fact: The original practice sign still hangs in the Mifflinburg office today.

The office was moved to the Buffalo Valley Shopping Center and that's when things began to really happen!

When Jeanne Leitzel & Susan Roberts started their careers with FPC in 1983, little did they know they would be still working for the same practice 40+ years later. They both agree that it's been a crazy ride watching the practice grow over the years. Take a walk down memory lane - then and now as told by Leitzel & Roberts.

THEN:

There were 10 employees which included Fasano & Ronco. Physician extenders, along with CNA's, MA's and LPN'S were not even thought of at that time.

Everyone hired had "on the job training." Level 2 office visits were $7 and level 3 office visits were $22.

There was 1 computer at that time which was mainly used for billing purposes. The office had just transitioned from recording charges and payments on individual, paper card ledgers for each family to entering charges, payments and generating insurance forms in their first computer system, Data Medic.

There was a time during Dr. Fasano's practice that he had the ability to place babies into loving adoptive homes. Penicillin, Keflex, and other antibiotics were packaged by staff and given to the patients at low cost versus going to the pharmacy. Penicillin injections were also given in the office when appropriate. Sue remembers performing phlebotomies on a patient without insurance to treat an iron overload.

Dr's Fasano & Ronco always looked out for the "little man."

Dr. Fasano's vision of expanding became a reality as Mount Pleasant Mills, Middleburg & Shamokin Dam joined the group and the brand name changed to Family Practice Center, PC. At the local hospital, FPC was known as the "FROG group" (Fasano, Ronco, Olson, & Gray). Later a "crown" was added to the FROG to represent Dr. Prince. FPC doctors delivered babies up until the early 2000's. They also cared for their own patients who were hospitalized until the early 2000's when

Evangelical Hospital began their hospitalist program.

In the mid 1980's, our first lab was formed at the Mount Pleasant Mills office testing basic chemistry, then moving to Middleburg. This lab processed 4-6 thousand patient samples per month. The lab expanded to microbiology, coagulation, pre-natal workup, and pre-marital PR testing. Testing was with some automation, but mostly with single sample analyzers.

Jeanne was responsible for revising the 4-page superbill that was used for the office, lab, billing, & patient receipts on a yearly basis along with other responsibilities. After Data Medic transitioned to Elcomp and then to the present-day system MEDENT, FPC offices became totally paperless in 2006.

When Dr. Fasano passed away in March 2009, there were 21 practices covering over 5 counties, and employed 425 staff. The practice expanded at that time to 45 physician and 25 physician assistants taking care of approximately 27,500 patients per month.

NOW:

Family Practice Center now includes over 40 offices expanding over 13 counties, providing health care for over 200,000 patients annually. There are currently 1,209 employees which includes 77 physicians and 121 physician extenders. Staff includes many CNA's, MA's, LPN's, Lab Techs, IT, Administration, Billing, D & C Reality, Physical Therapists, and Physical Therapist Assistants.

In March 2019, CPRS (physical therapy) joined FPC with 40 offices, providing excellent physical therapy to patients in need. They are celebrating 40 years of service to the surrounding communities.

Now the lab utilizes a fully automated track system, the DxA 500 which was the first of its kind installed in North America! Our lab processes 3-5 thousand patient samples PER DAY!

The FPC IT department is responsible for 1,350 computers and the ins and outs of daily responsibilities to ensure office computers and MEDENT run smoothly. We now have a Maintenace and Construction crew that is responsible for every corner of the FPC offices including expansions and renovations.

Jeanne & Sue have seen FPC grow into one of the most successful, privately owned, health care practices that is unheard of today. They strongly agree that having a facility that offers many services within the office, save the patients a lot of time. Caring providers, staff, and ease of appointments, are the key to FPC's success.

Sue shares, "As I reflect on my journey with Family Practice Center over the past 40 years, I truly feel that it is because I allowed God to pave my path. When I started at the Mifflinburg office learning all aspects of the office, moving up the ranks to become office manager, then pursuing my career as a physician assistant, it wouldn't have been possible without the loving support of Dr's Fasano & Ronco. They both have been by my side throughout the struggles of my professional and personal life. Family Practice has taught me that it's about the patient receiving the care they need despite the patient's financial hardships. I love that they allow providers the autotomy to do what is best for the patient. I am grateful for all the wonderful opportunities my journey has given me, the patients that I have cared for, and the lasting relationships I have with my co-workers throughout the years. FPC is truly my family and I am honored to be a part of the team."

Jeanne notes, "Forty years ago, I accepted a position with Fasano and Ronco, D.O. P.C. in a clerical position. Throughout the upcoming years, I had the privilege and opportunities to expand my skill set in the following areas of responsibilities, assisting in setting up computer programs, specialized billing, assisting in posting insurance payments, reviewing delinquent accounts for collections, credentialing of providers, and billing supervisor.

FPC not only provided me the opportunity to grow in my various positions but also the connection with Dr. Fasano allowed my husband and me to grow our family through the adoption of our son, Sean. The doctors provided me insight as to the importance of providing each patient with quality care and genuine concern for their wellbeing. They also treat their staff as a family with dignity and respect. For these reasons, I chose to remain loyal and committed to a long term, professional career with Family Practice Center."

February 28, 2023 

Partnership expands agilon’s footprint in the state

SELINSGROVE, PA and AUSTIN, TX, February 28, 2023 – Family Practice Center, PC (FPC), Central Pennsylvania’s largest independent primary care physician group, today announced that it has formed a new partnership with agilon health inc. (NYSE: AGL), the trusted partner empowering physicians to transform health care in our communities. Starting in 2024, the partnership will transition FPC to a full-risk, value-based care model for Central Pennsylvania Medicare patients that will yield better outcomes for both patients and physicians.

“A value-based approach is the future of health care, and there is no better leader in this space than agilon health,” said Benjamin Williard, chief executive officer, Family Practice Center, PC. “agilon’s model is directly in line with our mission to remain independent and provide patients with community-based, affordable, and high-quality care. This partnership will enable our physicians to better serve senior patients in Central Pennsylvania, particularly those who live in rural and underserved areas.”

FPC is central Pennsylvania’s largest independent primary care physician group, serving over 200,000 patients across 42 locations in 12 counties. The organization is committed to a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model for delivering high-quality care by partnering with patients, alongside their families and caregivers, to improve treatment outcomes. FPC’s scope of services ranges from family medicine and pediatrics, to onsite labs and x-rays, and physical therapy from newborns to seniors.

“Primary care physicians are community leaders, and it is agilon’s goal to empower them to remain in that important position,” said Steve Sell, chief executive officer, agilon health. “FPC have demonstrated a clear commitment to enabling better health outcomes for their senior patients, and we look forward to working together to advance care delivery through the implementation of our Total Care Model.”

agilon is accelerating at scale the transition to a value-based, Total Care Model for senior patients through its aligned partnerships, purpose-built platform, and peer network of like-minded physicians. FPC is joining agilon’s growing network of physician partners and will be part of the 2024 class of new partner organizations.

About Family Practice Center, PC

Family Practice Center, PC (FPC) is central Pennsylvania’s largest independent primary care physician group that serves over 200,000 patients. Founded nearly 50 years ago, FPC now operates 42 locations across central Pennsylvania. FPC’s 160+ providers care for patients of all ages with the focus of community-based care. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, sleep medicine, laboratory, x-ray, and much more. For more information about FPC, please visit www.fpcdoctors.com.

About agilon health

agilon health is the trusted partner empowering physicians to transform health care in our communities. Through our partnerships and purpose-built platform, agilon is accelerating at scale how physician groups transition to a value-based Total Care Model for senior patients. agilon provides the technology, people, capital, process, and access to a peer network of 2,200+ PCPs that allow physician groups to maintain their independence and focus on the total health of their most vulnerable patients. Together, agilon and its physician partners are creating the healthcare system we need – one built on the value of care, not the volume of fees. The result: healthier communities and empowered doctors. agilon is the trusted partner in 25 diverse communities and is here to help more of our nation's leading physician groups and health systems have a sustained, thriving future. For more information about agilon health, visit www.agilonhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Contacts:

agilon health

Investor Contact
Matt Gillmor
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@agilonhealth.com

Media Contact
Megan Strothman
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
media@agilonhealth.com
Terence Cullen
agilon@actumllc.com

Family Practice Center, PC
Yorelis Trotter
Marketing Director
ytrotter@fpcdoctors.com

September 1, 2022

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation again to Family Practice Center (FPC) Laboratory, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP's Accreditation Programs.

The Physician Lab Director, Chris J. Darrup, DO, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Family Practice Center Laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

"CAP accreditation assures that our laboratory is meeting and exceeding the standards for clinical laboratory testing, this in turn produces accurate and timely results for the patients we serve." said Annmarie Renard, Family Practice Center’s Lab Manager.

Chief Financial Officer, Benjamin Williard, regarding Family Practice Center’s laboratory CAP accreditation, said: “Our staff works incredibly hard; we are pleased with this major accomplishment. It demonstrates our ability to offer the highest quality services to our community which is of the upmost importance to Family Practice Center. CAP ensures the best patient care possible, and this accreditation confirms our ability to provide first-class care to our patients.”

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine FPC’s laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. The Family Practice Center’s Laboratory has maintained CAP accreditation since 2008.

About Family Practice Center, PC
Family Practice Center, PC, is a large group of primary care physicians in Central Pennsylvania committed to the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model for delivering high-quality health care by partnering with patients, alongside their families and caregivers, to improve treatment outcomes. In other words – the patient – is the center of our attention.

June 30, 2022

We are pleased to announce that Family Practice Center, PC will be moving the practice of Charles C. Pagana, MD; Charles M. Pagana II, MD; and James D. Pagana, MD to the Susquehanna Valley Mall in late July.  The new phone number for this office will be 570-884-7925.  All appointments currently scheduled with this office on or after July 25th will be at the new location.

The practice of Matthew J. McClure, DO, and Anne B. Ivie, MD will remain at the 21 Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive location.  These changes come due to Evangelical Community Hospital formally closing on the purchase of the property at 21 Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive, Selinsgrove.

“It’s important for our patients to know that the providers they’ve come to trust as their partners in health and wellness will remain in the Selinsgrove area,” said Ben Williard, CPA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Family Practice Center. “The sale of the building will not change that.”

The facility is currently home to SUN Orthopedics of Evangelical’s Selinsgrove practice, the Hospital’s Selinsgrove Imaging Center, Physical Therapy of Evangelical, two Family Practice Center offices, and Corbin Audiology and Hearing Aid Center.

We understand that change can be difficult and we hope to make the transition as smooth as possible for you. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you at our new location!

November 2021

FPC continues to require all patients and patient escorts to wear a mask upon entering all of our office locations.

Patient escorts should be limited only to patients who require assistance during their visit.   We encourage you to bring your own mask but, if you do not have a mask, please let the staff know and one will be provided.

Thank You!

TELEMEDICINE VISITS

FPC continues to offer the option of Telemedicine (video visits) for managing certain chronic medical problems and acute care needs.

What types of visits can be conducted using Telemedicine?

• Management of chronic  problems such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.
• Certain Acute illnesses such as colds, flu, skin rash, headaches, etc.

How do I schedule a Telemedicine visit?

• Simply call your FPC location to schedule like you normally would
• You will receive an email or text message with a link to your scheduled appointment
• When it is time for your appointment, click on the link in your text or email to connect to your FPC provider

What do I need?

• Smart phone, tablet or laptop/computer with video and audio capability
• Up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge

You can test your browser at the following link: www.medentmobile.com/telemed

What if I don’t have a video option? If you do not have a device with video capability, you may call your FPC location to schedule a telephone visit.

*Please note that certain appointments may require a face-to-face visit based on your symptoms and current health condition.