MedWell Niagara Family Medicine is certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home practice for our patients. NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Their recognition programs are built on evidenced-based nationally recognized clinical standards of care.
What is a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?
A PCMH is a system of care in which a team of health professionals work together to provide all of your health care needs. We use technology such as electronic medical records to communicate and coordinate our care and provide the best possible outcomes for you. You, the patient, are the most important part of a PCMH. When you take an active role in your health and work closely with us, you can be sure that you're getting the care you need.
Who is on the PCMH care team?
Your primary care physician leads your care team, which may include specialized doctors, nurses, health educators, and other health care professionals such as pharmacists or physical therapists, etc.. Our team acts as coaches who help you get healthy, stay healthy, and get the care and services that are right for you. You, of course, are at the center of your team.
How Does a PCMH benefit me?
In a PCMH, we:
- Are available when you need us. You can communicate with us easily and effectively, and gets appointments quickly by calling (716)778-8627. When the office is closed you can call (716)778-8627 for our answering service. Office hours: Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-5pm, Wednesday 8am-6pm, Thursday 8am-5pm, and Friday 8am-12pm.
- Know you and your health history. We know about your personal or family situation and can suggest treatment options that make sense to you. The practice functions most effectively as a medical home if patients provide a complete medical history and information about care obtained outside the practice.
- Help you coordinate your health care across multiple settings, even if we are not the ones giving you the care. We will help you find specialists, get appointments, and make sure specialists have the information they need to care for you.
- Use technology such as electronic medical records and share records to help prevent medical errors and duplication of services to make sure everyone on your team is "on the same page."
- Provide access to evidence-based care, patient/family education, and self-management support.
How Do You Get the Most from a PCMH?
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Be in charge of your health as a full partner in your care. Understand your health situation and ask questions about your care. Learn about your condition and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible.
- Participate in your care by following the plan that you and we have agreed upon, including taking your medications as prescribed and keeping appointments and follow up visits when necessary.
- Communicate with your care team. Let us know when you don't understand something we talked about. Tell us if you get care from any other health professional. Bring a list of your medicines, supplements and questions to each appointment. Tell us about any changes in your health status.
- Have records transferred and/or sent to our office by contacting Stacie at (716)778-8627. Also share our contact information with your other doctors.
- Contact our office at (716)778-8627 to discuss concerns, results, schedule appointments, and access the 24 hour on call service.
WHAT YOUR CARE TEAM WILL DO:
- Get to know you, your family, your life situation and preferences. We will help you manage your healthcare as a whole package including medical, physical, social, and behavioral health needs. Your records will be updated every time you seek care and suggest treatment options that make sense to you. We will treat you as a full partner in your care.
- Communicate with you by explaining your health situation clearly, making sure you understand your options and giving you time to ask questions. Help you understand your options so you may make the best decisions for your care.
- Support you by helping you to set goals and meet goals. We do this in many ways including directing you to classes, support groups, and other educational services and sending you to trusted experts when necessary.
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