Eight Multnomah County clinics have received Oregon’s highest designation, recognized as primary care models that focus on keeping people healthy.
The Oregon Health Authority named the North Portland, Northeast, Westside, HIV, Mid County, La Clinica de Buena Salud, Rockwood and East County Health Centers as Tier 3 patient-centered primary care homes.
Tier 3 represents the highest achievement for clinics in Oregon.
"This is an incredible honor," said Lillian Shirley, health department director. "Our community drives our work, and we look forward to continuing to improve client care and promote a healthy and active Multnomah County."
The recognition identifies Multnomah County as already having developed the local model of care that is a key component of statewide health system transformation. The Oregon Legislature approved that transformation on Feb 23. Under the new measures, patient-centered primary care homes will be an important element of any primary care network providing care to clients served by the Oregon Health Plan, Oregon’s Medicaid program.
Each year Multnomah County's health clinics serve more than 70,000 people with low incomes or who lack health insurance. Five years ago, the County launched team-based care that stresses the relationship between the team and client.
The county now has more than 30 primary care teams that offer family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and women’s health specialties. Each member of the team includes two primary care providers, a community health nurse, flow staff, panel health managers and clerical assistants, as well as some behavioral health specialists. The team shares workspace and coordinates care around a client. Team members focus on prevention, early intervention and community-based management of chronic conditions like diabetes.
Data shows their clients get their medical appointments sooner, have better access to providers and get medical questions answered more quickly in the patient-centered home.
“In Oregon, we are lucky to have providers who are willing and able to form their practices around the patient. That’s our vision for all health care in Oregon – if you focus on improved health, you will have better outcomes and ultimately lowers costs,” said Governor John Kitzhaber. “That’s the direction our state is going and I applaud those providers who are working with us side by side.”
The state is encouraging the development of more patient-centered homes through formal recognition as top-ranked Tier 3 sites. More than 120 clinics across Oregon have already applied to be officially recognized by the state as “patient-centered primary care homes.” To be designated as Tier 3, or the highest level as Multnomah County clinics were, a center must provide:
· Access to care: Clients get the care they need, when they need it.
· Accountability: Responsible for getting clients the right care.
· Comprehensive: Get all the care, information and services clients need.
· Continuity: Work to improve health over time.
· Coordination and integration: Help navigate the system to meet client’s needs.
· Patient and family-centered: Involve clients and their families in their care.
Multnomah County client Amy Anderson says a patient-centered approach to her care needs fostered lasting relationships that have paid off.
"We can have these rich discussions that allow me to make healthy choices," said Anderson, a client at Multnomah County's Mid County Health Center. Anderson explained that her care team has changed her life, offering compassion, knowledge and understanding through many health challenges.
"My life,’’ she says, “has been enriched.’’