In alignment with its 2025 Population Health and Quality Strategy, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina is proud to announce the launch of its Provider Recognition Program, an initiative that celebrates and elevates the outstanding work of health care providers and practice groups across the state.
The program is rooted in UnitedHealthcare’s mission to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. By spotlighting excellence in care delivery, innovation and community impact, the program aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the health care ecosystem.
Program objectives
The Provider Recognition Program is built around four key objectives:
- Recognize excellence: Honor providers who demonstrate leadership in clinical innovation, access to care, addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and quality performance.
- Promote values: Showcase individuals who embody UnitedHealthcare’s core values—integrity, compassion, inclusion and relationship building.
- Inspire improvement: Encourage ongoing innovation and excellence in health care practices.
- Support mission: Reinforce UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to healthier communities by acknowledging individuals who make a meaningful difference.
Categories of recognition
The program offers four distinct awards to highlight different areas of impact:
- Clinical Innovation Award
Recognizes groundbreaking advancements in clinical practices that improve patient outcomes and health care delivery. - Access to Care Award
Honors efforts to expand health care access, especially in underserved communities. - Social Determinants Impact Award
Celebrates initiatives that address non-medical factors such as housing, education and economic stability that influence health outcomes. - Quality Performance Award
Acknowledges consistent excellence in quality measures, patient care and safety.
2025 Award recipients
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina is proud to recognize the following outstanding providers:
Clinical Innovation Award
Dr. Faith Gardner, Triad Adult & Pediatric Medicine
Dr. Gardner has led efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy through community education, significantly improving health outcomes.
“Someone once said, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together,” said Dr. Gardner. “Teaming with UnitedHealthcare to make sure my patients are getting the highest value of care has been a highlight of my career.”
Access to Care Award
Rural Health Group
Recognized for expanding access to care in underserved areas, ensuring more individuals receive timely and essential health services.
Social Determinants Impact Award
Salisbury Pediatric Associates
Honored for innovative programs that address member needs beyond clinical care, improving overall community health.
Quality Performance Award
Grove Park Pediatrics
Achieved the highest performance in MY2024 for the Childhood Immunization Status (CIS) Combo 10 measure, demonstrating excellence in preventive care.
A movement toward better health
The Provider Recognition Program is more than a celebration—it’s a catalyst for change. By elevating the stories and successes of health care leaders, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina aims to inspire a broader movement toward effectiveness and people-centered care.
As the health care landscape continues to evolve, programs like this serve as vital reminders that compassionate leadership, innovative thinking and community engagement are the cornerstones of a healthier future.
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