Case Study: Wheeler Clinic achieves integrated, patient-centered care and improved clinical outcomes with NextGen Healthcare

Wheeler Makes Every Door the Right Door with Integrated Care

Wheeler, founded in 1968 and serving roughly 50,000 people across 30+ Connecticut locations, identified a major gap when a 2010 survey showed 60% of its behavioral health clients lacked primary care. To address this “no wrong door” challenge, Wheeler shifted toward integrated care—adding primary care, dental, chiropractic, and diabetic education to its behavioral health services and creating Family Health & Wellness Centers.

Wheeler embedded behavioral health practitioners in primary care teams, used warm handoffs to reduce stigma, and implemented NextGen Enterprise EHR and related tools to integrate clinical data and track UDS measures. The strategy earned Level 6 primary care/FQHC status at five sites, increased patient volume, and produced improved outcomes for patients with asthma, depression, diabetes, and obesity, with further expansion planned.

Wheeler Clinic

Rebecca Eleck

MD Medical Director, Primary Care Wheeler