WHAT IS A MEDICAL HOME?
A Medical Home, also known as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), is a nationally known model of primary care that puts patients and families at the heart of healthcare. It is a way of organizing care that fosters a lasting partnership between patients, their primary care providers, and an extended healthcare team including specialists, hospitals, and community services.
Medical Homes are designed to provide care that is:
- Patient-Centered - Respecting each patient's preferences, culture, and values.
- Comprehensive - Managing physical, mental, and preventive care.
- Coordinated - Ensuring seamless care across all providers and systems
- Accessible - Offering after-hour services, shorter waiting times, and digital communication tools.
- Quality and Safety - Committed to quality improvement and engaging in performance measurement.
Healthcare providers in medical homes use Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to monitor patient outcomes in real time and support collaborative care. This team-based approach transforms primary care practices, improving services quality and health outcomes for all patients.
PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES IN NEW JERSEY
Two major organizations certify PCMH status:
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): Offers PCMH recognition based on performance in patient access, team-based care, quality improvement, and population health management.
The Joint Commission: Recognizes PCMHs that meet high standards for safety, accountability, and continuity of care.
Recognized PCMH Providers in New Jersey:
New Jersey is a strong advocate of the PCMH model. 80% of the state’s 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) have earned national recognition for their implementation of patient-centered care.
- Alliance Community Healthcare, Inc.: Joint Commission Medical Home and NCQA PCMH
- AtlantiCare Health Services: NCQA PCMH
- CAMcare Health Corporation: Joint Commission Medical Home and NCQA PCMH
- Central Jersey Medical Center: NCQA PCMH
- CompleteCare Health Network: Joint Commission Medical Home and NCQA PCMH
- Eric B. Chandler Health Center: NCQA PCMH
- Henry J Austin Health Center: Joint Commission Medical Home and NCQA PCMH
- Jewish Renaissance Medical Center: NCQA PCMH
- Metropolitan Family Health Network: NCQA PCMH
- Monmouth Family Health Center: NCQA PCMH
- Newark Community Health Centers, Inc.: NCQA PCMH
- North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center: Joint Commission Medical Home
- Ocean Health Initiatives: NCQA PCMH
- Osborn Family Health Center: NCQA PCMH
- Project H.O.P.E.: NCQA PCMH
- Southern Jersey Family Medical Center: NCQA PCMH
- Zufall Health Center: NCQA PCMH