The designation recognizes the Lincoln clinic program for using
evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly
coordinated care and long-term relationships. The patient-centered
medical home is a model of care emphasizing care coordination and
communication to transform primary care into what patients want it
to be. Research shows that medical homes can lead to higher quality
that can improve patients' and providers' reported experiences of
care.
"Patient-centered medical homes are rapidly gaining momentum and
attention as an innovative approach to primary care," said Dr. Paul
Kasa, medical director of Memorial Physician Services–Lincoln. "The
intent is to offer more personalized, coordinated, effective and
efficient care."
To receive the Level 3 recognition, which is valid for three
years, Memorial Physician Services–Lincoln demonstrated the ability
to meet the program's key elements, embodying characteristics of the
medical home.
The designation puts Memorial Physician Services–Lincoln on par
with a small but elite group of health care providers nationwide
that have been able to achieve Level 3 status, said Dr. Gerald
Suchomski, medical director of quality programs for Memorial
Physician Services.
The NCQA
PCMH 2011 recognition program identifies practices that promote
partnerships between individual patients and their personal health
care providers, rather than treating patient care as the sum of
episodic office visits.
Each patient's care at Memorial Physician Services is delivered
by physician-led care teams that provide all health care needs and
coordinate treatment across the health care system, Suchomski said.
Medical home health care providers demonstrate the benchmarks of
patient-centered care, including open scheduling, expanded hours and
appropriate use of proven health information systems.
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"The patient-centered medical home raises the bar in defining
high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information
technology, and partnerships between clinicians and patients," said
Margaret E. O'Kane, NCQA president. "PCMH 2011 recognition shows
that Memorial Physician Services–Lincoln has the tools, systems and
resources to provide their patients with the right care at the right
time."
To achieve Level 3 recognition, a health care organization must
successfully comply with six must-pass elements, such as access
during office hours and referral tracking and follow-up.
In addition to Lincoln, Memorial Physician Services has
primary-care clinics in Springfield, Chatham, Jacksonville and
Petersburg. The other primary-care locations were also recognized.
The National Committee for Quality Assistance is a private,
nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care
organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key
areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care
quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers
and researchers.
[Text from file received from
Memorial Health System]
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