MercyCare Community Physicians’ primary care clinics achieve Level 3 Medical Home recognition, the highest level possible
MercyCare Community Physicians’ primary care clinics, located in and around the Cedar Rapids metro area, have achieved Level 3 of the Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition, the highest level possible, by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
The NCQA Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. Medical Home clinicians demonstrate the benchmarks of patient-centered care, including open scheduling, expanded hours and appropriate use of proven health information systems.
Research shows that medical homes can lead to increased quality of healthcare, lower healthcare costs and improvement of both the patients’ and providers’ reported experience of care.
"The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients," said NCQA president Margaret E. O’Kane. "Level 3 recognition shows that the primary care clinics within the MercyCare system have the tools, systems and resources to provide their patients the right care at the right time."
Level 3 recognition involves meeting requisite elements in six categories: Enhance Access and Continuity; Identify and Manage Patient Populations; Plan and Manage Care; Provide Self-Care Support and Community Resources; Track and Coordinate Care; and Measure and Improve Performance. To reach this status, MercyCare provided detailed documentation of its improvements.
"Achieving Level 3 recognition by the NCQA reflects MercyCare's ongoing commitment to providing convenient, high-quality, patient-centered health care to Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities," said Greg DeWolf, senior director of clinic operations. "When visiting our clinics, patients can expect personalized care from a team of medical professionals, as well as convenient access to medical records and test results."
To learn more about MercyCare family practice clinics and services, or to find a primary care provider, please visit www.mercycare.org/clinics.
