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UT Health Physicians has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the eighth year in a row as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). In San Antonio there are only nine primary care practices recognized as a PCMH, with UT Health Physicians holding eight of those spaces. Only practices that have proven their commitment to a patient-centered approach to care and continuous quality improvement can earn this designation.

“A patient-centered medical home places the patient at the focus of collaborative healthcare. This means that primary care physicians work side-by-side with patients to participate in shared decision-making,” said David Cadena, MD, medical director of UT Health Hill Country. “Together, we build trusting relationships through continuity of care resulting in deeper connections and discussions to better treat chronic health conditions and take preventive action.”

All ������’s primary care locations were awarded the Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition in 2023. 

This March, UT Health Physicians opened a brand-new location, UT Health at Kyle Seale Parkway, to expand the community’s access to care. Richel Avery, MD, associate chief medical officer at UT Health at Kyle Seale Parkway looks forward to continuing the PCMH model at this new location. “At UT Health at Kyle Seale Parkway, we will focus on quality, safety and commit to enhancing patients’ access to care,” said Avery. “The clinicians at our newest location will use the coordinated care model to provide comprehensive, integrated care, ensuring that patients receive the services they need.”

Research shows that patient-centered medical homes reduce patients’ avoidable emergency room visits and hospitalizations because they provide easier access for receiving quality, reliable care. They also ensure people, regardless of location or income, can receive the health care they need.

Providing Coordinated Care

An important factor of the patient-centered medical home model is care coordination, which ensures that primary and specialty care providers effectively communicate information and manage patient referrals to minimize cost and unnecessary care.

“Our patients are supported by the latest in electronic health record technology that allows UT Health Physicians primary and specialty care to interact seamlessly at the touch of a button, said Ramon Cancino, MD, MBA, MS, FAAFP, executive director of the Primary Care Center at UT Health Physicians. “In addition, many of our patients are linked to a nurse care manager, who will proactively partner with a patient to tackle their chronic diseases, like diabetes or high blood pressure.” 

Primary care patients at UT Health Physicians have access to a team of health care professionals that work together to prevent problems and manage chronic conditions. The team can include several other clinicians, including behavioral health consultants, advanced practice providers, nurses, care managers, community health workers, medical specialists, and pharmacists. Each member of the UT Health Physicians team has access to the same electronic health record, which improves the accuracy and speed of care team decisions, which is especially important for patients with highly complex medical cases.

Providing Convenient Access to Care

Being available to meet patients’ needs with access to health care is a key part of the PCMH model. UT Health Physicians primary care patients have access to MyChart and  to receive reliable access to care when and where they need it. Additionally, all our primary care locations offer same-day and next-day appointments for immediate needs.

With MyChart patients have convenient access to get the help they need. Patients can send medical questions to their primary care team and can use the direct scheduling feature to schedule their appointments.  

“The Primary Care Center has expanded our digital health offerings to provide patient-centered and precise care that is also convenient. In addition to in-person and telemedicine appointments with our clinicians, our patients can have their acute medical concerns addressed through e-Visits 24/7 on MyChart,” said Joyce Yuen, DO, medical director of UT Health Shavano and the Virtual Clinic Café. “During e-Visits, patients answer questions about their symptoms, and, based on their answers, an expert clinician will provide a diagnosis and a management plan within one business day. Our e-visit care is better than any other similar system, because we have access to a patient’s UT Health medical record to make the best medical decision possible. Also, our team communicates with the patient’s primary care physicians to provide continuity of care.”

Committed to a higher standard of care

The Patient-Centered Medical Home designation underscores UT Health Physicians dedication to providing the best possible primary care to current and future patients. 

“The prestigious NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home recognition isn't just a badge; it's a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of every single team member at our Primary Care Center. Day after day, we cement ������'s reputation as the unparalleled beacon of health and wellness. This is where excellence in healthcare isn't just a goal—it's our reality. And this leads to a healthier San Antonio,” shared Cancino. 

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