USA Health clinics earn continued Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition
All four locations have been performing continuously since 2018 to sustain recognition as Patient-Centered Medical Homes, meeting standards that ultimately translate to better experiences and outcomes for patients.
By Lindsay Lyle
lalyle@health.southalabama.edu
Four USA Health practices – USA Health Stanton Road Clinic, USA Health Family Medicine, USA Health Pediatrics and USA Health Adolescent Pediatrics – have been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home Program that ultimately translates to better experiences and outcomes for patients.
The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. The program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Association and others.
Sarah Kahalley, R.N., M.S.H.A., director of clinical resources for USA Health, said all four locations have been performing continuously since 2018 to sustain recognition as Patient-Centered Medical Homes.
“As a primary care provider, our health system is committed to sustaining PCMH recognition with the goal of elevating the care we provide,” she said. “This is why we take on the responsibility to continue to reapply each year and meet all of the necessary requirements.”
Randall Trammell, D.O., director of Stanton Road Clinic, said in order to maintain its status, the facility has developed processes that better allow staff to provide high-quality, cost-effective care.
“A few ways our clinic works to maintain this standing are routinely participating in quality improvement projects and panel management projects,” Trammell said. “Each of these allows us to follow a high-risk group of patients, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes, so we can focus and implement a comprehensive care plan for them. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach is key in achieving this, and we are fortunate enough to have pharmacy, social services and clinical psychology available at no cost to patients.”
Caitlin Macon, manager of practice operations for USA Health Pediatrics, said the PCMH designation helps staff focus on their quality measures and the care provided to patients. “Reporting on specific managed-care populations enables us to identify gaps in patient care that we need to focus on improving,” she said. “This is especially important in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine since primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system.”
NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. Learn more at ncqa.org.
