SARASOTA, FL – The Community Health Centers of Sarasota County (CHCSC) in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) received the Level II Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The recognition is for all three primary care sites including the William L. Little Health & Human Services Center and the Sally and Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center in Sarasota as well as the North Port Health Center.

CHCSC in partnership with DOH-Sarasota is the largest safety net primary care provider in Sarasota County serving about 26,000 patients annually with a full range of health services for women, children and adults including behavioral health care at locations in Sarasota and North Port. An onsite pharmacy, immunizations and laboratory services provide added convenience for patients. As the public is aware, CHCSC in collaboration with DOH-Sarasota, is working on transitioning primary care services to the CHCSC not-for-profit with a target date of December 31, 2017. Both entities are committed to maintaining PCMH recognition and attaining Level III status in the future.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration, the average cost of delivering primary care on a per-patient basis for an entire year (covers medical care, lab work and X-Rays) through Community Health Centers of Sarasota County/DOH-Sarasota during 2015 was $694.65. This compares to the national average of $826.24.      

The Patient Centered Medical Home is the gold standard in how primary health care is provided. Patients are actively engaged in their medical care with a coordinated team of health care providers who work to ensure the highest quality of care is provided in the most efficient way possible. According to the NCQA website, research confirms medical homes can help assure conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and lung problem are better managed, leading to improved health and fewer hospitalizations.

Level II PCMH designation means there was a thorough review and revision of quality improvement processes, policies and activities. There are a three levels of designation with Level III being the highest recognition.              

NCQA PCMH Designation information: http://www.ncqa.org/programs/recognition/practices/patient-centered-medical-home-cmh#sthash.mqvZMoTF.dpuf

About the Florida Department of Health The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. For more information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900.                                                    

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DOH-Sarasota Media Contact:
Dianne Shipley, 941-861-2852; cell 941-302-1058;                      
DOHSarasotaNews@FLHealth.gov,
Website: www.sarasotahealth.org