NCQA Recognition Announcements Made for PCMH Clinics Working with KFMC

All nine of the remaining clinics that have been striving for PCMH recognition with the assistance of Kansas Foundation for Medical Care(KFMC), have been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). PCMH Certified Content Experts from KFMC have provided guidance to ten primary care practices over the past few years.  To date, eight have received Level 3 recognition and the ninth has received a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 recognition.  The tenth clinic has dropped out of the pilot project due to corporate changes and re-allocation of resources to other major projects within their organization.

To prepare for the NCQA submission process, these nine clinics worked to improve clinical workflows, initiate quality improvement programs and review and document their key clinical processes. In addition, data was collected and extensive audits were done of patient records. Throughout the process, KFMC consultants provided technical assistance, education and tools to assist the clinics.   Four of the nine clinics received funding from the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians (KAFP).

KFMC’s mission is leading innovation to improve the quality, effectiveness and safety of healthcare. Services are designed to further that mission, with PCMH serving as only one example.  When a provider leverages the PCMH philosophy, care is more coordinated, comprehensive and patient-focused. A PCMH practice demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety by engaging in the use of evidence-based medicine and clinical decision support tools to guide shared decision making with patients and families.  The Practice Transformation Network (PTN) Grant that we anticipate being funded for will leverage many of these same skills and certified staff.  An overview of the PTN can be reviewed here.