Lehigh Valley Health Network Garners Pioneering Virtual Care Accreditation
Allentown, Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
LVHN Virtual Family Medicine and ExpressCARE are among the first in the U.S. to receive NCQA accreditation, highlighting their commitment to quality and accessible virtual healthcare.
Pioneering Achievement in Virtual Healthcare
In a significant development for digital healthcare delivery, Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) has distinguished itself as one of the first 20 organizations nationwide to receive virtual care accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The accreditation specifically recognizes both LVHN Virtual Family Medicine and LVHN Virtual ExpressCARE for their excellence in providing virtual primary care and urgent care services [1].
Comprehensive Virtual Care Services
The network’s virtual care infrastructure demonstrates impressive reach, serving more than 32,000 patients annually through LVHN Virtual ExpressCARE alone [1]. The virtual services offer comprehensive care capabilities, including diagnosis, treatment, and prescription services, though excluding controlled substances [1]. This digital healthcare initiative has gained additional significance following LVHN’s recent integration with Jefferson Health, positioning the network to expand its technological healthcare solutions across a broader regional footprint [2].
Quality Metrics and Patient-Centered Approach
The NCQA accreditation process evaluated multiple critical aspects of virtual care delivery, including quality and patient safety protocols, care coordination mechanisms, equitable access provisions, and data sharing capabilities [1]. As noted by Dr. Grant Greenberg, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at LVHN, this accreditation validates the dedication of healthcare professionals working in virtual settings [1]. The virtual family medicine program uniquely combines digital convenience with personalized care, ensuring patients maintain continuity of care with clinicians familiar with their medical history [1].
Future Implications for Digital Healthcare
While currently maintaining one dedicated physician for virtual primary care, LVPG has implemented a hybrid model where numerous primary care physicians and advanced practice clinicians incorporate virtual visits into their regular patient care routines [1]. This strategic approach allows patients to access both virtual care options and LVHN’s extensive network of specialists and services [1], representing a comprehensive integration of digital and traditional healthcare delivery methods [GPT].