Medical society becomes affiliate of HealthTeamWorks for patient-centered medical home care

The Medical Society of Delaware has signed an affiliation agreement with HealthTeamWorks, a Colorado nonprofit organization nationally recognized for patient-centered medical home implementation methodology.

In conjunction with HealthTeamWorks training, mentorship and tools, MSD will exclusively deliver local practice transformation support to Delaware's medical community.

HealthTeamWorks and MSD bring combined experience and knowledge in helping primary care physicians transition into highly effective PCMH practices. This collaboration will result in the development of integrated medical communities or “medical neighborhoods” to improve efficiency and quality along the entire continuum of care. The affiliation marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, which includes efforts under way with Delaware’s first statewide PCMH initiative, established in May 2012 by Highmark Delaware and MSD.

“The PCMH model has gained acceptance as the new standard of medical care with a focus on patient outcomes and continuity of care,” said Stephen J. Kushner, DO, president of MSD.

Here are just a few of the ways that patients and medical teams will benefit from the PCMH model of care:

Physician-led practice teams will learn new and better ways to help engage patients in their own care, taking special consideration to inquire about and coordinate all of the care received by a patient from any and all providers.

PCMH practices make available expanded and new ways for patients to access or communicate with their care team and doctor for simple needs such as to discuss a problem or to confirm a prescription refill, or for more complex situations such as to develop a plan to help a patient with multiple conditions.

Physician-led practice teams are trained to identify workflow problems and evaluate all of the processes put into place before, during and after patient visits.

New mechanisms for test tracking, reminders for preventive care and chronic disease management are also put into place.

Specific training is centered around National Center for Quality Assurance recognition for the participating practices, a program benchmark for the current PCMH pilot and many other quality initiatives.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with one of the oldest and most respected medical societies in the country to help facilitate the training and redesign efforts in the Highmark Delaware/MSD PCMH pilot and other PCMH initiatives in Delaware,” said Marjie Harbrecht, MD, CEO of HealthTeamWorks.