Conowingo, Md. (May. 17, 2023) – The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
recently announced that West Cecil Health Center (WCHC), a nonprofit community health
center, has been awarded recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home Program (PCMH).
This recognition demonstrates that WCHC is committed to enhancing the patient experience by
providing seamless, comprehensive, patient-centered care that is tailored to each individual’s
needs and preferences.

The PCMH is a model of patient care that uses a team-based approach and emphasizes
care coordination and communication to provide quality primary care, help lower medical
costs, and achieve an excellent patient care experience.

“I am delighted to share that the NCQA has bestowed upon West Cecil Health Center the
recognition of being a Patient-Centered Medical Home. This achievement is not just an
accolade, but a testament to our commitment to providing the highest standard of
comprehensive and coordinated healthcare,” said John Ness, President and CEO of West
Cecil Health Center. “For our patients, this means they can expect more personalized care
with improved communication and better coordination among their healthcare providers.
They will have a more active role in their healthcare decisions and a comprehensive
understanding of their health and wellness.”

The PCMH model signifies a transformative shift from episodic, reactive care to a proactive,
holistic, and personalized approach. It enhances the quality of care by focusing on preventive
measures, timely interventions, and continuous management of chronic conditions. Moreover,
this model fosters an environment where care is not only accessible but also continuously
improved upon.

“NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care
by emphasizing access, health information technology, and coordinated care focused on
patients,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Recognition shows that West Cecil Health Center has the tools, systems, and resources to provide its patients with the right care at the
right time.”

“At West Cecil Health Center,” Ness added, “we are dedicated to constantly improving the
health and well-being of our community. This recognition is a significant step in that journey.”

WCHC will be reevaluated annually against NCQA standards to maintain their recognition
status.

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West Cecil Health Center (WCHC) provides high-quality, compassionate healthcare services for
the entire family at our locations in Conowingo and Havre de Grace and through convenient
telehealth visits. WCHC offers various services, including primary care, behavioral health,
laboratory, pharmacy, and dentistry. Our patient-focused, collaborative approach focuses on
whole health and empowers patients to establish healthy lifestyles. As a nonprofit,
community-driven organization, we offer a sliding fee discount to ensure our services are
affordable for all members of the communities we serve. WCHC can be found online at
wchc.org, on Facebook @westcecilhealth, and LinkedIn at
linkedin.com/company/west-cecil-health-center.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA
accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians
and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and
Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health
care. In recognition of its leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion, NCQA has won the
Excellence in Diversity Award from the Chesapeake Human Resources Association. NCQA’s
website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers, and others make
more-informed healthcare choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa,
and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.