The Rochester Primary Care Network’s (RPCN) roots date back to the 1960’s when the Neighborhood Health Centers of Monroe County (NHCMC) first opened its doors to serve the medically indigent at its two ambulatory care center locations—one in an urban setting and one rural. In the early 1980’s, NHCMC rebranded as the Rochester Health Network (RHN) and attempted to centralize and merge services among the various health centers in town. When those efforts failed, RHN created a federally compliant Grant Board to oversee its community health center program. By 1985, the government required RHN to create a separate corporation to deal with the Section 330 grant program. So, in April 1987, the Rochester Primary Care Network (RPCN) was incorporated and by July of that year, it had succeeded RHN as the Section 330 grantee.
MediCap, a managed care plan test marketed in Monroe County, was run by RHN. Everyone involved with MediCap suffered significant financial losses because of inadequate reimbursements, and ultimately, the local health maintenance organization Preferred Care (now MVP Health Care) acquired what was left of RHN. As part of this acquisition, Preferred Care agreed to support RPCN through management services and financial contributions to aid programs for the medically underserved. Today, MVP’s support is carried out in the form the Community Health Initiative Fund.
Rather than be the direct recipient of funds, RPCN acted as a foundation to support its affiliated centers. They applied for grants, solicited other funds, afforded enhanced Medicaid billing rates, provided technical assistance, and supported projects that benefitted the poor and medically underserved. Over the years, RPCN and its affiliates have achieved measurable community impact through work that:
- Reduced deaths from breast cancer
- Increased access to oral health care in rural communities
- Prevented teen pregnancies
- Effectively managed diabetes
- Improved access to care and outcomes for Latinos and African Americans with HIV
- Promoted healthy behaviors among children
In 2010, RPCN expanded its operations from being the hub that secured funding for its affiliates, to also owning and operating our own health centers. Together we have 11 convenient medical center locations throughout the Rochester area, as well as 8 dental centers, and 5 school-based health centers. Medical/dental centers are also located in Rushville and Utica, NY.
We know that a positive, trusting relationship with your physician is essential to keeping you healthy. That’s why our practices and our affiliated centers are run by friendly, knowledgeable physicians and staff who are more than happy to help you with all of your primary care needs, including:
- Medical office visits
- Includes OBGYN services at select centers
- Necessary lab tests and x-rays
- Prescription medications
- Primary and preventive dental visits
- Cleanings/exams
- Extractions
- Fillings
RPCN remains an agency that ensures primary care services for the poor and medically underserved remain available. RPCN will continue to initiate and foster partnerships with trusted health care providers and other organizations who share our vision for a healthier community. Together we:
- Enhance quality of health care outcomes
- Expand the availability of vital services
- Enrich the process of individualized care
- Advocate for a single system of care that is socially, culturally and economically integrated
RPCN is dedicated to providing access to quality health care for all, regardless of financial, cultural, or social barriers.
RPCN is—and will remain—the premier provider of health care services and create healthy communities.
- Deliver high quality health care with dignity, equality, sensitivity, professionalism, and respect
- Respond to the primary health care needs of the communities served
- Actively seek out new opportunities to develop innovative approaches to provide health care services
Click to view our board of directors
Click to view our directory of staff
