Two WellStar Medical Group Practices Become NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Two WellStar Medical Group (WMG) practices are now certified as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by NCQA, a milestone achievement for the WellStar Medical Group. Internal Medicine Associates of Marietta became the first of six pilot practices to be awarded recognition as a Level 3 PCMH in January by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which is the highest level of distinction. In addition, Family Medicine at East Cobb was awarded NCQA recognition as a Level 2 PCMH.

Other pilot practices in the process of obtaining NCQA recognition include:

• Acworth Family Practice & Internal Medicine
• West Cobb Medical Center
• East Paulding Primary Care Center
• Douglasville Medical Center

What is a Patient-Centered Medical Home?
It is a care model that strengthens the physician-patient relationship by replacing disjointed, episodic care with coordinated care that engages the patient a long-term health-oriented relationship. This model creates an environment where we partner with our patients to help them achieve their health goals. It’s about our care team thinking about our patients and promoting their care even when they are not in the office.  In the right environment, medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs, and can improve patients’ and their providers’ experience of care.

NCQA-Recognition
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.  Physician Practice Connections® (PPC) recognizes practices that use systematic processes and information technology to enhance the quality of patient care.  Practices who meet the Physician Practice Connection standards demonstrate they have established connections to information, patients and other providers that allow them to:

• Know and use patient histories
• Follow up with patients and other providers
• Manage patient populations and use evidence-based care
• Employ electronic tools to prevent medical errors

This recognition was a truly a team effort, and we want to thank all of the physicians and care providers, as well as the practice managers, Jill Darbonne and Connie Robinson, and all of their team members who worked so hard to make this happen.  Our continued efforts and diligence are required to deliver the benefits of a Patient-Centered Medical Home over the long-term. Our hope is that all WellStar Medical Group Primary Care practices will be awarded this NCQA recognition in the future.