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Patient-Centered Medical Home at UPMC in Central Pa.

What Is a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?

A patient-centered medical home (PCMH), or medical home, is a team-based model of primary care. It aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective, whole-person care.

Your UPMC primary care provider (PCP) works with you and others to help keep you safe and healthy.

Our goal is to offer people in Central Pa. the best possible primary care services.

Have questions or want to learn more? Call 717-231-8900.

NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition

NCQA recognition is a widely adopted model for transforming primary care practices into medical homes.

The NCQA PCMH standards emphasize:

  • Systematic, coordinated care focused on the people we treat.
  • Care that supports access, communication, and involvement.
  • Making primary care "what patients want it to be."

Who Is on My Health Care Team?

UPMC wants you to feel your best. Caring about you is the most important job we have.

That's why you're the star of your team.

The next person on your team is your PCP. You might call your PCP your family doctor.

Your PCP works in a primary care office. Everyone in the office is part of your team, too.

The people in your PCP's office can include:

  • Doctors.
  • Nurses and medical assistants.
  • Physician assistants.
  • Patient service staff.
  • Nurse practitioners.
  • Office managers.

When you have special health needs, other health providers might become part of your team. They are specialists.

You might see a physical therapist, counselor, or dietitian.

You might also have a friend or family member who helps you with your health. They're a part of your care team too.

How Does My PCMH Health Care Team at UPMC Help Me?

Your health care team is there when you feel well or sick.

We can help you know about a problem before you feel something is wrong. We'll also help you manage any health conditions you have.

When you're sick, your doctor or someone else on your health care team will see you.

Your health care team is there for you all day, every day.

All you have to do is call your PCP's office and we will connect you to people who can help.

Your health care team knows you and your health history.

We want you to feel connected. That's why we take the time to know you and those important to you.

Your team keeps your health data saved in a computer system. This is an electronic health record.

It's a safe way to look at your health information and help provide the right care.

Your health care team helps coordinate your health care.

We can help you schedule visits to see other providers — like a counselor or heart specialist.

We'll share your health information with health care specialists to help you get the care you need. We'll also see you after you come home from the emergency department or the hospital.

Your health care team is your partner in health.

Your health care team will:

  • Get to know you.
  • Know your health history.
  • Grasp how you take care of yourself.
  • Know about other health care providers you see.
  • Talk with you about your health.
  • Share options for the care you need.
  • Give you time to ask questions.
  • Explain things in a way that makes sense to you.
  • Ask if you are having a hard time or feel unsafe or sad.
  • Include people close to you in your care.

Your health care team will partner with you to help you:

  • Take care of yourself.
  • Learn how you can stay safe and healthy.
  • Meet your health goals.
  • Find information and resources.

How Can I Help My Health Care Team?

To help your health care team, you can:

  • Be their partner.
  • Get to know the people on your team.
  • Grasp what they need to do to help keep you healthy.
  • Provide your health history and the medicines you take, even over-the-counter.
  • Give them a list of health problems in your family.
  • Ask questions and share ideas.
  • Tell them when you don't understand something.
  • Let them know if you get care somewhere else.
  • Tell them if you're having a hard time, don't feel safe, or if you feel sad.
  • Know what you can do to stay safe and healthy.
  • Learn about your health and the medicines you take.
  • Ask people who are close to you for help when you need it.

At UPMC in Central Pa., your care team uses current research and equipment to provide you with evidence-based care.