Local Physician Group Supports Unique, Excellent Care in Physician Offices

Posted: Sep 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM [Sep 13, 2012]

The Consortium of Independent Physician Associations (CIPA) and the Medical Advantage Group (MAG) are working together to support local physician offices as they provide exemplary service and lower costs.

To date, CIPA and MAG have assisted 110 offices in becoming designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), an extremely select group.  PCMH is an annual designation.

“PCMH is health care centered on the whole patient.  With each visit or interaction with the physician’s office, all of the patient’s history is considered – not just that day’s symptoms or concerns.  PCMHs offer care above and beyond the usual standard of care,” said Charles Carpenter, CEO of MAG.

According to recent claims data by BCBSM, PCMH-designated physicians are succeeding in more effectively managing patients’ care to keep them healthy and prevent complications.

In a PCMH, the patient’s physician (primary care, internist or pediatrician) leads their care team.  All of the patient’s health records (including visits with specialists, test results and prescriptions ordered by other physicians) are maintained and tracked centrally within the PCMH.  Patients have 24-hour access to their PCMH, a benefit that can keep patients at home and out of the emergency room.

In order to become a PCMH, the physician’s office must meet strict criteria and put systems in place to exceed quality of care.  “CIPA and MAG have unique talents to provide custom solutions to help transform the average physician office into an exemplorary patient-centered medical home,” said Carpenter.

If you would like to find a PCMH near you or to learn more about CIPA or MAG, a healthcare consulting organization that works with physician organizations like CIPA, visit:  www.medadvgrp.com.