Case Study: CommuniCare Health Centers achieves expanded patient engagement and access with NextGen Healthcare

CommuniCare Health Centers Take a Big Step to Expand Patient Engagement

CommuniCare Health Centers, a San Antonio–based FQHC with 17 clinics serving more than 74,000 patients, faced the challenge of preserving the provider–patient relationship when COVID-19 forced most care to go virtual. Many clinicians and patients were initially hesitant about telehealth, yet the organization needed to maintain trust and continuity of care across diverse services from pediatrics to behavioral health.

CommuniCare expanded access by deploying NextGen Virtual Visits integrated with its patient portal, self-scheduling, EHR and PM systems, plus curbside setup and proactive outreach to help seniors and rural patients connect. The integrated approach boosted efficiency and uptake—more than 2,000 virtual visits were scheduled in August, behavioral health and family care visits rose significantly, access to specialist care across clinics improved, and staff remained fully employed while new home-visit/telehealth hybrids piloted care for remote patients.

CommuniCare Health Centers

Robert Milks

Vice President and Chief Operations Officer