Valley Medical Center’s Clinic Network recently received the highest level of Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), part of a national initiative for improving care coordination in primary care. To achieve this PCMH Level 3 status, Valley Primary Care clinics emphasize the use of a systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care model that supports access, communication, and patient involvement and builds partnerships between clinicians, patients, and patients’ families.
“Achieving the NCQA’s highest level of Medical Home recognition is confirmation that each of Valley’s primary care clinic teams are providing remarkable care for our patients,” says Paul Larson, Clinic Network Senior Vice President. “Improved access to care, a focus on preventive health and real-time electronic information flowing full-circle to coordinate care are all immediate benefits patients will experience. I couldn’t be more proud or excited about the positive impact on the health of our community.”
“The term ‘home’ in ‘medical home’ implies a close relationship with a patient’s care team and that’s just what it is,” says Larson. “Like a family, the care team is actively responsible for delivering, coordinating and helping patients manage their ongoing health.”
While many of the Clinic Network care enhancements are behind the scenes, here are some things patients will notice at Valley’s primary care clinics: each Primary Care clinic has availability for same day visits, with numerous Urgent Care clinics in the Valley system available seven days a week; online scheduling; electronic messaging directly to a provider; after-hours access to care; after visit summaries of your visits to VMC Network Clinics; timely responses to requests; up-to-date tracking; collaborative plan of care; educational resources; medical records available throughout the VMC network; follow-up care coordination; and continuous care improvement.
