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HSC Autism Center achieves high quality ranking

The Bristol Press - 7/10/2018

NEW BRITAIN - The Autism Center at Hospital for Special Care was recently recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as the first Level 3 Patient-Centered Specialty Practice in the nation.

"NCQA Patient-Centered Specialty Practice recognition distinguishes practices that communicate, collaborate and integrate care in ways that patients want and that improve quality," NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane said. "I commend the team at Hospital for Special Care for its achievement, and for its commitment to continuous improvement."

The center was designated Level 1 in 2015. Level 3 is the highest level that specialty practices can fulfill.

"The number of cases of autism spectrum disorders has been rising, with the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention putting the prevalence at one in 59 children. This increase in prevalence has fueled the need for improved diagnostic, educational, and treatment services for children and adults with ASD," said Dr. Hassan M. Minhas, medical director of outpatient services at the Autism Center at Hospital for Special Care. "Our services have been specifically developed and tailored to meet the highly complex needs of children and their families impacted by ASD. Our approach is holistic, and incorporates the multiple facets that ASD affects."

The specialty practice recognition program incorporates standards and criteria that allow practitioners to obtain information about teamwork, coordinating care around patients, and tracking statistics of care over time with primary and specialty care partners. The levels reflect the quality at which the practice meets the requirements.

Dr. Lauren Herlihy, a clinical psychologist at the Autism Center and Autism Inpatient Unit at Hospital for Special Care, said that the center's recognition is evidence of the commitment and dedication of every member of the Autism Center staff.

"Our commitment to our patients and their families guides our service development and delivery. We have provided autism care to more than 1,700 individuals to date and will continue to expand access care to meet urgent community needs," Lynn Ricci, president and chief executive officer of the hospital, said.

The Autism Center at Hospital for Special Care, offers therapy services, assessments and diagnostics for children with autism spectrum disorders.

For more information, call 860-223-2761 or visit hfsc.org/autism.