What Is a Patient-Centered Medical Home?
A Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a model of primary care that focuses on the patient’s entire well-being. As such, the PCMH includes a team of care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and educators). As a PCMH, we work closely with patients and their families, recognizing the unique needs, cultures, and beliefs of each patient. With MHC Healthcare we coordinate care between specialty care, hospitals, home healthcare, and community services.
We provide many resources to care for our patients 24/7 with such resources, such as urgent needs, around the clock telephone access to a provider, and secure electronic message through our Patient Portal. MHC Healthcare, as a participant of a PCMH, is committed to quality care and quality improvement.
Using methods of evidence-based medicine, clinical decision support tools, shared decision making with patients and families, and engaging in performance measurement and improvement. In short, as part of a PCMH, MHC Healthcare is dedicated to providing the highest and most complete level of care for each patient.
Outcomes
In 2011, MHC Healthcare dedicated itself to receiving certification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). In 2013, MHC achieved this goal by receiving a Level III Certification for all health centers. In May 2016, all MHC Health Centers once again received Level III Certification from NCQA. MHC currently has 15 health center certified with NCOA, and has recently submitted requirements to receive certification for 2019.
This model of care is a team-based health care delivery model led by a physician or nurse practitioner that provides comprehensive and continuous medical care to patients. Medical homes allow better access to health care, increase satisfaction with care, and improve care coordination activities.
MHC empowers patients to get involved in decision making and provide feedback to determine if their expectations are met. The Medical Home provides continuous overall care that integrates prevention, wellness, and arranges care with qualified specialists and resources when needed to help patients make healthy lifestyle changes.