Sentara Family Medicine Recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its Patient Care Model 

Patient-centered approach benefits patient-physician relationship

NORFOLK, VA (November 18) – Providing quality healthcare has always been a top priority at Sentara Medical Group practices. Now the bar has been raised even higher. Virginia Beach Family Practice (now named Sentara Family Medicine Physicians) has been awarded the highest level of recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Physician Practice Connections Program®—Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH)™.

Sentara Family Medicine Physicians’ recognition came about after a rigorous survey and demonstration of a patient-centered approach that connects patients, information and other providers to the benefit of the patient. “The patient-centered medical home promises to improve health and health care,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “The active, ongoing relationship between a patient and a physician in medical homes fosters an all-too-rare goal in care: staying healthy and preventing illness in the first place. PPC-PCMH Recognition shows that Sentara Family Medicine Physicians have tools, systems and resources to provide their patients with the right care at the right time.”

Some fundamental principles of PPC-PCMH in place at Sentara Family Medicine Physicians include:
• knowing and using patient histories
• ensuring follow-up with patients and other providers
• use of evidence-based care in treatment and management of patients with chronic diseases
• use of electronic health records and data management to prevent medical errors.

“Our family medicine physicians and medical practice staff have worked very hard to focus on patient needs while delivering the highest level of care,” according to Dr. Shane Peng, Vice President and Senior Medical Director of Sentara Medical Group. “This NCQA recognition validates and affirms the focus they put on the entire patient experience and the benefits it brings to the patient’s health status and the patient relationship with their care providers.”

About Sentara Medical Group:
Sentara Medical Group is a premier multi-specialty group of 380 physicians and clinicians based in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is affiliated with Sentara Healthcare, a not-for-profit, integrated delivery system serving millions of residents in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

About National Council for Quality Assurance (NCQA):
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care. HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Practice Connection® – Patient Centered Medical Home™ is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Related Links:
Sentara Medical Group
National Council for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
HEDIS®

For more health information and the latest press releases, go to the Sentara news page on Sentara.com.