HealthPoint Medical Group, a Tampa, Fla.-based oncology/hematology practice, is the first organization to be recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance's new Patient-Centered Specialty Practice Recognition program.
The new recognition is based in part on communication with primary-care clinicians and recognizes the specialist “neighbors” who “surround and inform” primary-care colleagues practicing in medical homes.
A multispecialty practice with more than 180 providers in over 40 locations, HealthPoint earned Level 3 recognition, the program's highest distinction for its responsiveness to patients and medical colleagues; cooperation and integration with other healthcare groups; and dedication to continuous improvement. HealthPoint is part of the not-for-profit BayCare Health System, based in Clearwater, Fla.
“This represents our commitment to expand our patient-centered care model and our goal of continuous improvement,” Dr. Lee Kirkman, HealthPoint president and chief medical officer, said in a news release. “The requirements and guidance from NCQA have been invaluable in not only obtaining this recognition but also for our care-process redesign.”
The new effort is modeled after the NCQA patient-centered medical home program which, since 2008, has recognized almost 6,800 practices as operating under a model that emphasizes care coordination, enhanced communication and continuous improvement.
The NCQA has a similar accreditation program for accountable care organizations. Seven groups have been accredited, including the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic's Houston-based ACO; in December 2012, that ACO was the first to receive the distinction.
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