Parkridge Medical Group leaders announced on Monday that the system’s East Ridge practice has been designated as Chattanooga’s first Level 2 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
“The Patient-Centered Medical Home concept is designed to revitalize primary care by bringing together healthcare providers in a team whose services emphasize treating the whole person,” said internist Shannon McCallie, M.D. “This arrangement requires everyone in our practice - from office managers and care coordinators to nurses and physicians - to work together to provide safe, comprehensive, high-quality treatment that meets the needs and interests of our patients.”
There are five functions and attributes key to the creation of a PCMH – to earn the designation, a practice must provide care that is accessible, comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered, and focused on quality and safety. The Level 2 qualification indicates that Parkridge Medical Group - East Ridge has processes in place to coordinate the care that patients are given in order to ensure that each patient receives the best possible treatment. Existing patients also benefit from the group’s commitment to providing same-day access to a member of the practice’s care team.
“This type of focused, comprehensive practice is ideal for everyone, and it is especially important for patients with chronic health conditions and more complex needs,” said Dr. McCallie. “In the patient-centered medical home approach, we are responsible for meeting not only the physical healthcare needs of a patient – we also focus on overall well-being and on building relationships with the people we serve. We cover everything from wellness and prevention to acute treatment and support for multiple health issues.”