Family Practice Associates of Rockland has been Recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Diabetes Recognition Program (DRP) for meeting the national standards of diabetes care. The practice is the only one in Rockland County that has received this recognition.

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improvinghealth care quality. The NCQA Diabetes Recognition Program is a voluntary program designed to recognize clinicians who use evidence-based measures and provide the highest level of care to their patients with diabetes.

An estimated 37.3 million people in the United States (11.3% of the population) have diabetes. “At Family Practice Associates of Rockland, we understand that managing diabetes goes beyond controlling the blood sugar level,” said Dimitri Alvarez, M.D. Heart attack, stroke, foot ulcer, renal failure, and vision loss are among the well-known complications of uncontrolled diabetes, he noted.

“We use a multidisciplinary approach to develop an individualized care plan with each patient,” Dr. Alvarez said. “We work with our expert colleagues to help them choose the most appropriate medication for their situations, monitor their blood sugar, and screen regularly for the potential health risks mentioned above. After discussing and setting goals with them, they feel empowered to take charge of their health and wellness.   

Dr. Alvarez says that when a health plan refers a patient or when a patient decides to come to Family Practice Associates of Rockland for their diabetes care, they can be confident that they have chosen the right healthcare team. 

In order to attain this recognition from the NCQA, each physician had to submit records of their patients that demonstrated evidence that they meet specific criteria in six areas: blood sugar control, blood pressure control, eye examinations, assessment of kidney function, foot exam, and assistance with quitting smoking and tobacco use.

“We went through a rigorous evaluation process, and we have demonstrated the highest standards of care in managing their condition,” he said. “At Family Practice Associates of Rockland, we take pride in our dedication to high-quality care. Being recognized by a national leader in quality was a great achievement for our team.