Superior Adds Two More Foster Care Centers of Excellence
Date: 11/15/18
Superior has designated two more clinics, in Lubbock and Amarillo, as Foster Care Centers of Excellence. Texas Tech Pediatrics in Lubbock and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Department of Pediatrics in Amarillo received the recognition for their quality program initiatives that support children and youth in foster care. There are now five Superior Foster Care Centers of Excellence across the state.
Launched in 2017, Superior’s Center of Excellence initiative is designed to raise the level of care received by its members. To qualify, providers must meet more than 60 criteria, including quality improvement initiatives, program processes and staff requirements. To learn more about how you can become a Center of Excellence, please reach out to your local Account Manager.
In addition to meeting these criteria, both providers have partnered closely with Superior to complete requirements through the new 3 in 30 program. This initiative helps caregivers and caseworkers get kids the care they need faster. It is made up of a medical exam within three (3) days of entering conservatorship, Texas Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS 2.0) Comprehensive (Child Welfare) Assessment within 30 days, and Texas Health Steps medical exam, an Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment, within 30 days.
Texas Tech Pediatrics
Dr. Todd Bell has served as regional chair of pediatrics for Texas Tech Pediatrics since 2011. Dr. Bell attended medical school at the University of Arkansas and residency at Duke University in North Carolina. He joined the faculty at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo in 2006.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dr. Patti Patterson is Professor of Pediatrics for Public Health and Medical Education, as well as the Director of Child Abuse Pediatrics at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Patterson is the only board certified child abuse pediatrician in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. She completed pediatric residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Dr. Michal M. Pankratz is a professor of pediatrics at Texas Tech University, caring for patients and teaching medical students. Dr. Pankratz’s practice has a special focus in foster care, which makes up a large percentage of her patients. She completed residency at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.
Superior now has five Foster Care Centers of Excellence in Texas. These two providers join South Texas Center for Pediatric Care in San Antonio, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults in Houston and Northwest Assistance Ministries’ (NAMs’) Children’s Clinic in Houston.