Patient-Centered Medical Home at UPMC in Central Pa.

The PinnacleHealth Medical Group is committed to providing the best possible primary care services to our patients, using a patient centered team approach.

NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition

The PinnacleHealth Medical Group received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition, the most widely adopted model for transforming primary care practices into medical homes. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication, and patient involvement. It is a model of care that emphasizes care coordination and communication to transform primary care into "what patients want it to be."

What Is a Patient-Centered Medical Home?

A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is sometimes called a "medical home." This means your primary health care provider (PCP) works with you and others to help keep you safe and healthy. This team is called your health care team. Your team wants you to have the best possible care when you need it.

Who Is on My Health Care Team?

Everyone at PinnacleHealth Medical Group (PHMG) wants you to feel your best. Caring about you is the most important job we have! That's why you are 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 primary care office include:

• Physicians (doctors)
• Nurses and medical assistants
• Physician assistants
• Patient service representatives
• Nurse practitioners
• Office managers

When you have special health needs, other health providers might become part of your team. They are called specialists. You might see a physical therapist, a counselor, or a dietitian. You might have a friend or family member who helps you with your health. They are also part of your team.

How Does My Health Care Team Help Me?

Is there for you when you are feeling well or feeling sick
Your team will help you to know about a problem before you feel something is wrong. They will also help you manage any health conditions you have. When you are sick, you will see your PCP or someone else on your team.

Is available for you 24/7
All you have to do is call your primary health care provider's office. Anytime, day or night. We will connect you to people who can help.

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 information saved in a computer system. This is called an electronic health record. It is a safe way to look at your health information and help provide the right care for you.

Helps coordinate your health care
Your team can help you to make appointments to see another health care provider. For example, a counselor or cardiologist. They will share your health information to help you get the care you need. They will see you after you are home from the ER or the hospital.

Your partners in health

Your health care team will:

Learn about you

• Get to know you
• Know your health history
• Understand how you take care of yourself
• Know what other health care providers you see

Be your partner

• 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 you if you are having a hard time. For example, if you feel safe or sad.
• Include people important to you in your care

Help you to take care of yourself

• Help you understand how you can stay safe and healthy
• Help you meet your goals
• Help you find information and resources

How You Can Help Your Health Care Team

Learn about your team

• Get to know the people on your team
• Understand what your team needs to help keep you healthy

Be their partner

• Provide your health history and medicines you take, even over-the-counter ones
• Provide a list of health problems in your family
• Ask questions and share ideas
• Tell your team when you don't understand something
• Tell your team if you get care somewhere else
• Tell your team if you are having a hard time. For example, if you don't feel safe or feel sad.

Learn how to take care of yourself

• Learn what you can do to stay safe and healthy
• Learn about your health and the medicines you take
• Ask people who are important to you for help when you need it
• UPMC Pinnacle's commitment to evidence based care: Your health care team uses current research and equipment to help care for you. It is one of the many ways we provide the best care.

Contact Us

Need more information? Call 717-231-8900.