PRIMARY CARE HOME

Your primary care home will…

• Better coordinate your care to help get you the services you need, when you need them.
• Listen to your concerns and answer your questions
• Offer after-hours help and alternatives to the emergency room.
• Help you or your caregiver play an active role in your health.

What does this look like for me?

Your primary care provider will work with you to improve care coordination that results in higher quality care to you and your family.

If you have a special health concern or condition, you will be connected with other health professionals to help you get the care you need. For example, your primary care provider can connect you with a pharmacist, mental health specialist, a nutritionist, etc. – whatever your health needs call for.

As a patient, what can I do to make sure I’m getting the best possible care?

• Becoming engaged in your health care is the best way to make sure your primary care provider and health care team provide the best care possible. They want you to speak up!
• Your primary care provider can answer questions and help you better understand your health needs.
• If you need to get help from other doctors or health care providers in the community, your primary care provider can support you every step of the way.
• When you have concerns about your health, your health care team will work with you to decide the best way to deal with them.

Am I getting care at a recognized clinic?

• Over 600 clinics in Oregon have been recognized as a primary care home, so chances are you are already getting care at a recognized clinic. Find a list of recognized Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes by visiting this website. Umpqua Health – Newton Creek is recognized as meeting all of the measures and qualifying as a tier 4 primary care home.

The Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program

The Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program recognizes clinics as primary care homes and makes sure they meet the standards of care. The program is part of the Oregon Health Authority and one of the many efforts to help improve the health of all Oregonians and the care they receive.

Any type of clinic can apply and be recognized as long as they provide the services described in the standards. This includes physical health providers, behavioral, addictions and mental health care providers, solo practitioners, group practices, community mental health centers, tribal clinics, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and school-based health centers.

Participation in the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program is voluntary. Health care providers at recognized primary care homes have chosen to become recognized for their commitment to providing high quality, patient- centered care.

Coordinated Care Organizations & Primary Care Homes

Primary care homes are at the heart of Oregon’s health system transformation efforts. Coordinated Care Organizations are encouraged to include recognized primary care homes in their networks of care to the greatest extent possible. Expanding the availability of primary care homes will provide better access to care now and strengthen the primary care networks as CCOs evolve. To learn more about Coordinated Care Organizations, visit www.health.oregon.gov.

Questions?

For more information about Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes, you can view the Patient Fact Sheet.