PCMH-Kids Cohort 1 Practices recognized at December Stakeholder Meeting

At the December 6th PCMH Kids Stakeholder Meeting Cohort 1 practices were recognized for their achievements as they complete the 3-year contract effective 12/31/18. In their first year, all nine initial practices achieved NCQA patient-centered medical home recognition. Screening rates for developmental needs and obesity improved from 45% to 85% over the 3-year program and emergency department usage was reduced by 2.5% compared to non-PCMH practices. With added funding from Tufts Health Plan, pediatric practices participated in three integrated behavioral health learning collaboratives focused on ADHD, maternal post-partum depression and Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment for adolescents. Another outcome of this pilot program was the development and implementation of a pediatric specific high-risk framework to identify children and families that would benefit from care coordination services. Based on its success, the health plans supported a PCMH Kids expansion in July 2017 and an upcoming 2019 expansion. 

Drs. Flanagan and Lange, PCMH-Kids co-chairs, were also recognized and applauded for their national recognition from AAP for receiving the Calvin C.J. Sia Community Pediatrics Medical Home Leadership award at the November 2018 annual meeting. 

KIDS COUNT's Elizabeth Burke Bryant and Devan Quinn presented on Rhode Island's 1st 1000-day initiative. The PCMH Kids practices see this effort as an important partnering opportunity for improving the health of children in our state. 

Cohort 1 practices reflected on their pilot program participation and success in this multi-payer collaboration which led the way for better care of Rhode Island children and families. Cohort 1 PCMH Kids practices will continue to report on their quality measures performance through April 30, 2019. The quality performance, together with the CAHPS performance will be used to determine eligibility for incentive payment based on meeting performance targets. Practices can expect to receive their CAHPS performance reports the end of March, 2019. All PCMH Kids practices are encouraged to continue to be part of the CTC and PCMH Kids learning community and share their experiences at future Stakeholder, Breakfast of Champion and Best Practice committee meetings.