Primemed Practices Earn National Recognition for Patient Centered Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2012

For More Information Contact:
Robin Green (570)572-343-4334 ext. 5072

PrimeMed Practices Earn National Recognition for Patient Centered Care

Physician Practice Connections®- Patient Centered Medical Home™ standards emphasize enhanced care through patient-clinician partnership

Scranton, PA-The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently announced that several PrimeMed practices received recognition from the Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH) program for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term participative relationships.PrimeMed is a member of the Viewmont Health Associates family of health services.

The PrimeMed practices of Dr. Michael Montella; Dr. Thomas Minora and Drs. Kondash-Robertson-Kareha, demonstrated the ability to meet the key elements embodying the characteristics of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). These stringent standards set by the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association include:

• Written standards for patient access and enhanced communications
• Appropriate use of charting tools to track patients and organize critical information
• Responsive care management techniques with an emphasis on preventive care
• Adaptation to patient cultural and linguistic needs
• Use of information technology for prescriptions and care management
• Use of evidence-based guidelines to treat chronic conditions
• Systematic tracking of referral and test results
• Measurement and reporting of clinical and service performance

“By shifting the provider-patient relationship focus to staying healthy and preventing illness, we’re able to improve the quality and efficiency of the care,” said Michael Montella, MD, Medical Staff President of Viewmont Health Associates. “In order to be considered a Patient-Center Medical Home provider, the practice must engage clinician-led care teams to coordinate treatment, use open scheduling, offer expanded hours and use proven health information systems.”

According to NCQA President Margaret E O’Kane, “PPC-PCMH recognition shows that Drs. Montella, T. Minora, Kondash, Robertson and Kareha have the tools, systems and resources to provide patients with the right care at the right time.”

For a full list of primary medical practices and clinicians affiliated with practice sites that have been recognized by the Physician Practice Connections-Patient-Centered Medical Home program,

About PrimeMed

PrimeMed physician practices are a part of the Viewmont Health Associates family of health services. The practices, conveniently located throughout the Scranton area, include more than 35 physicians who specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, radiology, electrophysiology and endocrinology. Our clinical and support team members are dedicated to providing patients with coordinated care that is offered in a caring environment, is seamless and easy to use.

About NCQA

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2010, NCAQ is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCAQ accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.