Innovations in Patient-Centered Care
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Serving East San Gabriel Valley Since 1992

 Citrus Valley Physicians Group (CVPG) was founded in 1992 by C.K. Rao, M.D. His goal was to create an IPA run by a closely knit group of physicians dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of patients and insurers. The Group has been consistently profitable since its inception, and is well-positioned for continued growth in the upcoming years.

 Dr. Rao attributes the success of CVPG to providing quality care and patient satisfaction through a team approach. The physicians in the network are extremely close knit, with a true commitment to the IPA. They comply with the rules and regulations, take an active role in the operation of the Group, and are responsive to referring physicians and organizations. In addition, there is a tremendous rapport between the primary care physicians and the specialists within the network. This camaraderie enhances patient care. The group is also responsive to the needs of insurers.

 Innovations

 CVPG has implemented several innovative programs that are unique to the East San Gabriel Area.

·       “Open-Access” Program – This express referral program allows CVPG primary care physicians to directly refer patients to network specialist consultants without waiting for prior authorization. This innovation allows the group to reduce turnaround times for specialist referrals to less than 1.5 days.

·        Complementary Medicine Program – In an effort to directly offer the benefits of preventive medicine, CVPG has developed a truly visionary “complementary medicine” program designed for members of the health plans and providers. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered throughout the year at the Citrus Valley Medical Center – Queen of the Valley Campus in West Covina. The program is co-sponsored by CVPG and the hospital. The yoga program increases flexibility and range of motion, and enhances balance to help patients avoid injury. The meditation program, with its focus on breathing instruction, is designed to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

·       Joint Marketing with Health Plans – CVPG holds breakfast and lunch meetings to help educate seniors on the latest advances in medicine while keeping them abreast of their health coverage options. CVPG provides the physician speakers, who address a wide variety of topics – from nutrition and exercise issues to  cardiac health and skin cancer prevention. The health plans provide the advertising and meals, and feature a speaker from the plan to discuss important aspects of health care coverage. It is a win-win-win program for patients, CVPG and the health plans where all participants benefit.