MCDONALD ARMY HEALTH CENTER, FORT EUSTIS, VA (Aug. 29, 2012) -- By 2014, McDonald Army Health Center (MCAHC) will establish six patient centered medical homes, a new model of healthcare delivery the U.S. Army Medical Command is implementing throughout its military treatment facilities.
McDonald's Troop Medical Clinic 2 (TMC2) will be the first to adopt the PCMH method of care and to seek national recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) -- a certifying body for primary care practices. The remaining medical homes will be located within the primary care clinics of Family Health, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine.
Samara W. Walker, McDonald PCMH Champion, said, the medical home concept offers beneficiaries the opportunity to partner with their entire primary care team. This translates into superior access and healthier patients.
Patients are assigned to a team of healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, pharmacists, and others to develop a comprehensive, personal healthcare plan. This includes ensuring delivery of prevention screening and services; managing chronic conditions; and promoting a spirit of health, wellness and trust.
Ultimately, patients become the center of their health care teams. Collectively, patients and health care teams can take advantage of telephone and web-based communication to follow-up on health issues and concerns, share and update information, and coordinate care delivery.
Sergeant 1st Class Cassandra Alam, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of TMC2 said, "The staff at TMC2 is excited to implement this model. We always look for new ways to improve the quality of care we provide, and this model will definitely take us to the next level."
Patient Centered Medical Home services are easy to access, patient-centered, team based, and quality focused. As patients interact with their healthcare teams, they will immediately realize they have more flexibility in managing their own healthcare.
According to Dr. Ronald Mack, the chief of Pediatric Services, PCMH will address all healthcare needs.
"It's healthcare's 'total package!' It is team driven with the patient and family in the driver's seat," Mack explained. "Their health care needs drive the bus! The healthcare team is responsible for improving outcomes from acute and chronic disease of the patients and their family. Wellness and preventive care are the pillars of our medical home."
To learn more about this patient-centered system of healthcare, individuals are encouraged to follow McDonald on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonaldahc, or visit the Health Center's Website at http://mcdonald.narmc.amedd.army.mil.
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