Hanscom clinic recognized as outstanding PCMH clinic

  • Published
  • By Gail Murray
  • 66th Medical Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Medical Squadron clinic was recently recognized as No. 16 out of 68 military treatment facilities in the Air Force for providing an outstanding medical home. Over the last three years, the Patient Centered Medical Home has been gradually implemented across the country and December 2011 signaled the launch of the program at Hanscom. PCMH offers many positive changes for active duty, dependents and medical staff, according to squadron officials.

A medical home is a clinic or office where a team of healthcare professionals provide a "new, expanded" type of healthcare for their patients. It focuses on taking care of all a person's healthcare needs, either in the MTF, or coordinating with outside healthcare practices. It provides care in a more personalized, better coordinated way with a whole team of healthcare members who put the person and their caregiver or family members at the center of their team.

Medical Home Teams:
· Include a doctor, physician assistant, nurse, medical technician and a medical management team.
· Coordinate health care across all settings, to include referrals within the MTF, as well as to outside network providers.
· Put a priority on prevention and disease management in order to keep people healthy and work with them so they can manage their own health in partnership with their team.
· Know people and put a priority on providing care with their preferences, life situation and needs in mind.
· Involve the person in all decisions regarding their healthcare and treatment.

Benefits of Team Based Care:
· Improve partnership with a dedicated healthcare team.
· Increase ease in making appointments with their healthcare team.
· Sustain continuity of care for people and their family.

As the clinic continues to implement team-based care, each person's satisfaction will be the key to the success of the program, clinic officials suggest. For further information about Patient Centered Medical Home, call 781-225-6789.