MercyCare Community Physicians’ primary care clinics achieve Medical Home recognition

MercyCare Community Physicians' family practice clinics (MercyCare), located in and around the Cedar Rapids metro area, have received a three-year Patient-Centered Medical Home 2011 (PCMH) recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). MercyCare is the largest system in the state of Iowa to receive such recognition.

The patient-centered medical home model of care strengthens the physician-patient relationship by focusing on service to the patient and coordinated care. The NCQA Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. Medical Home clinicians demonstrate the benchmarks of patient-centered care, including open scheduling, expanded hours and appropriate use of proven health information systems. Research shows that medical homes can lead to increased quality of health care, lower health care costs and improve both the patients' and providers' reported experience of care

“The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of 21st century primary care that combines access, teamwork and technology to deliver quality care and improve health,” said NCQA president, Margaret E. O'Kane. “NCQA's PCMH 2011 recognition shows that the primary care clinics within the MercyCare system have the tools, systems and resources to provide their patients with the right care at the right time.”

“Receiving Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition by the NCQA reflects MercyCare's on-going commitment to provide convenient, high-quality, patient-centered health care to Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities,” said MercyCare president Dr. Timothy Quinn. “When visiting our clinics, patients can expect personalized care from a team of medical professionals when they need it as well as convenient access to medical records and test results.”

To learn more about MercyCare family practice clinics and their services, or to find a primary care provider, please visit www.mercycare.org/clinics.

MercyCare Community Physicians (MCCP) is composed of 13 family practice clinics in the Cedar Rapids metro area, as well as Center Point, Monticello, Mount Vernon, North Liberty and Tama. Four urgent care facilities and three specialty clinics are also part of the MCCP system. Established in 1995, MCCP is affiliated with Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.