Five Upstate practices—Upstate Family and Preventive Medicine at Upstate Community Hospital; Upstate Family and Preventive Medicine at Nappi Wellness Institute; Adult Medicine; Upstate Internists; and Inclusive Health Services—have obtained recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Four of the pratices named are located in the Nappi Wellness Institute.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. 

PCMH is a model of care highlighted by building relationships between patients and their clinical care teams through patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication, and patient involvement.

Research shows that PCMH care models lead to a more satisfied patient experience through a more effective and collaborative dialogue between the patient and their provider. This leads to individualized overall care plans for each patient, resulting in better health outcomes. Physician practices that earn PCMH recognition have committed to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care.

Upstate Chief Medical Officer Amy Tucker, MD, applauded the recent recognition.

“This honor for these important medical practices recognizes the dedication and commitment of our medical staff in providing our patients high-quality care throughout our Upstate health system,” Tucker said.  “We’re grateful to the hard work of everyone who help us achieve this recognition.”

Instrumental in earning the special designation were the efforts of Susan Brigham, Margarette Furbeck, Sarah Irish, Kieth Kendall, Andrea Kite, Emeline McShane, Janet Oxendine, Colleen Regan, Maribeth Schoeneck, Lindsay Shaw, Desirea Stephens and Jennifer Zapa.

Caption: Four of the five practices named medical homes see patients at the Nappi Wellness Institute; the fifth is housed at Upstate Community Hospital.