National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Program recognizes five MU Health Care clinics in mid-Missouri

Five University of Missouri Health Care clinics have achieved recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH.) The PCMH designation recognizes primary health care providers that put patients at the forefront of care.

The MU Health Care clinics receiving PCMH recognition are the family medicine clinics in Ashland, Boonville, Mexico, the Battle Avenue Medical Building in Columbia and the pediatrics clinic at Battle Avenue.

“A medical home is a place where the health care needs of families are addressed by comprehensive primary care services, including treatment for common illnesses and wellness,” said Laura Morris, MD, associate chief medical officer for ambulatory care at MU Health Care.  “These clinics offer that for our patients with personal health plans, regular check-ups and routine health maintenance. We’re honored to be recognized for the quality of care we deliver to the communities we serve.”

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality that accredits and certifies a wide range of health care providers. Recognition programs are built on evidence-based, nationally recognized clinical standards of care.

The PCMH program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Association and others. It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. PCMH standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement.

“NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition 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. “Recognition shows that MU Health Care has the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.”

Several MU Health Care clinics have previously earned PCMH recognition. They include family medicine clinics in Fulton, Fayette, Keene Street in Columbia, Mexico, Smiley Lane in Columbia, South Providence Medical Park, the pediatric clinic at South Providence Medical Park, and the internal medicine clinics at Woodrail and Fairview in Columbia.