Become a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

Depending on the region you live in, pediatric practices using PCC software can receive payment incentives from payers by becoming a Patient Centered Medical Home.

By adopting the functions of PCMH, you help your patients and families gain access to care and you gain additional benefits for your practice.

What is a Patient Centered Medical Home?

PCMH encompasses a philosophy of patient care as well as a set of standards. It is an approach to care that expects pediatric practices to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of patient care and support each patient’s unique needs and preferences. The principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home program, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), are outlined in this resource.

Various state and local organizations, insurance carriers, and other governing bodies have adopted the PCMH standard and created paid incentive programs for practices that implement these principles. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) describes PCMH core concepts in this NCQA PCMH Overview article.

What is the Process of Achieving PCMH Recognition?

NCQA’s PCMH Recognition program includes six concepts that align with the principles of primary care. Within each concept are competencies which are meant to organize the criteria within each concept area. Criteria are the individual structures, functions and activities that indicate a practice is operating as a medical home.

The program includes ongoing, sustained recognition status with annual reporting.

To achieve PCMH recognition, practices must:

• Learn core concepts and principles
• Meet criteria through application, exam, and other review processes
• Maintain and renew certification status

This ensures a minimum set of capabilities and gives practices the flexibility to focus on activities that not only mean the most to their patient population, but are feasible to accomplish with their resources and the resources of their community.

How Can My Practice Use PCC to Achieve PCMH Recognition?

PCC’s tools and services can help you meet the goals and requirements for PCMH recognition.

The PCMH standards and guidelines ask practices to show that they meet PCMH principles through using a certified EHR, attestation, and through providing report details on Clinical Quality Measures and other standards. Many program requirements are similar to those defined by CMS in the Promoting Interoperability Program.

You can get data for your PCMH application with PCC’s reports. To learn more, read:

• Report on Clinical Quality Measures
• How to Chart For Each Clinical Quality Measure with PCC EHR
• PCC EHR Report Library: The PCC EHR Report Library contains several reports specifically designed to help you calculate numbers needed for your PCMH application, including “Care Plans By Date” and reports for specific clinical quality measures..
• Practice Vitals Dashboard: Your Practice Vitals Dashboard contains numerous measures that you can use for your PCMH application.

After Recognition, Are There Annual Requirements?

Once a practice has gone through PCMH for the first time, they are required to meet some annual reporting requirements. These requirements are a small subset of PCMH requirements. Contact PCC support for assistance.

What PCMH Programs Are There in My Area?

PCMH programs vary from region to region. You can find out what’s available in your region at the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative map.

PCMH Consultation with Patient Centered Solutions

PCC has partnered with Patient Centered Solutions to offer discounted consultation services to PCC clients looking to achieve PCMH recognition.

PCC is here to help. Reach out to PCC Support with any questions or concerns.