The Kentucky REC launches a new round of support for healthcare providers seeking to transform patient care in Kentucky.

 On Friday, March 13, the Kentucky Regional Extension Center hosted its second Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Kick-Off Meeting for a group of pioneer healthcare provider organizations in Kentucky.

Participants included: UK HealthCare, Baptist Health Medical Group, Murray-Calloway County Physicians, Matthew 25 AIDS Clinic, Bluegrass Clinic, Bluegrass.org, Kentucky River Community Care, Harrison Memorial Hospital Physicians, and AC Wright, MD.

The Kentucky REC will assist these practices in achieving recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a PCMH. Becoming a PCMH practice involves using an innovative improvement framework for healthcare organizations to enhance quality and value for patients.With its focus on quality improvement,care coordination, preventative services, and chronic disease management, the PCMH framework helps practices deliver better care, better outcomes and lower costs.

“We are delighted to offer support to practices as they prepare for the many changes ahead in healthcare,” stated Carol Steltenkamp, MD, Kentucky REC Director and UK HealthCare Chief Medical Information Office. “We are excited to offer these services and to support innovative care models, such as PCMH, that are proven to help practices deliver coordinated, cost-effective care for their patients.”

Kentucky REC has helped healthcare providers across the state implement electronic health records and qualify for federal incentive funds. But, electronic health records are just a start for practices on the road to more patient-centered care. Now, the Kentucky REC is focused on helping practices prepare for the next wave of innovation by using technology together with changes in practice culture and workflow to radically improve patients’ experience of care and the effectiveness of the healthcare system overall.

Practices participate in group learning sessions over 18 months and work together with specially-trained REC staff to make changes that benefit patients. At the end of the 18 months, successful practices will apply for special recognition from NCQA.