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SIU Family Medicine-Carbondale Earns National Recognition

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Patient Centered Medical Homes lead to healthier patients

The Southern Illinois University Family and Community Medicine program in Carbondale has received highest recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home, praised for its dedication to quality care and care coordination. This is the third recognition the Carbondale program has received from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health-care quality.

The highly-prized designation recognizes outstanding, innovative practices that use the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model. In this population-based model, teams of clinicians enhance the patient-provider relationship, improve access and coordinate care, especially for prevention and chronic diseases.

Alicia Markley PA-C, noted that this recognition signifies a transformation of the clinic. “We have essentially reconstructed our practice to allow every member of the care team to utilize their individual skills and training to provide patients with efficient, coordinated care focused on both disease management and preventive care.”

PCMH has been called the model for 21st century primary care, in which patients make informed choices with better results and lower health care costs. Evidence has shown that PCMHs save money by reducing hospital and emergency department visits and improve health outcomes.

“As a PCMH, we empower patients to be active participants in their health care, said Dr. Sara Malone, director of quality. “We work as a team to help patients achieve their health goals through prevention, education and acute care.”

SIU Family and Community Medicine in Carbondale provides comprehensive family care, including gynecology, pediatric and geriatric care, with approximately 17,000 patient visits annually. The center has 10 faculty physicians, 18 resident physicians, one sports medicine fellow, three physician assistants, one licensed clinical social work and 22 support staff who provide care for patients from all social and economic backgrounds. To make an appointment, call 618-536-6621.

The Carbondale program is one of five family medicine programs of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Other programs are located in Decatur, Quincy, West Frankfort and Springfield. All sites have received recognition from the NCQA.

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