Two Dorchester health centers have been recognized for their high-quality care by a committee charged with reviewing patient care across the country. Codman Square Health Center and the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center both were awarded Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The designation is the highest level awarded by the committee, which reviews health centers nationwide.

“Serving one of our most diverse neighborhoods, Dorchester House Multi-Service Center and Codman Square Health Center make sure that anyone who walks through their doors receives the highest quality care,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “This national recognition of their work affirms what we in Boston have been fortunate to know for years – that their commitment to health goes beyond individual patients and extends to the community as a whole. Congratulations to their executive directors and talented staff for this honor. I’m proud to have them as partners as we work to build a healthier Boston.”

Numerous studies have shown that practices adopting the PCMH model have reduced hospital admissions and emergency room visits, increased rates of cancer screening, and improved management of diseases like diabetes and asthma. Level 3 is the highest level of recognition granted by NCQA and this recognition affirms the health centers’ high level of commitment to providing pro-active, personalized, efficient, cost-effective, quality care that works for the whole community.

“The community-based Medical Home model is a critical aspect of health care reform,” said Dorchester House President and CEO Walter Ramos. “The Dorchester House and the Codman Square Health Center are essential resources in Dorchester and I am very proud of our teams for achieving this level of recognition. The patient is at the center of everything we do and we will continue our work to provide world class health care to the residents of this community.”

“Providing access to care at times when the patient wants it, including evenings and weekends, in a way that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, is essential to the PCMH model and to our two health centers,” stated Dr. Philip Severin, Chief Medical Officer at Codman Square Health Center. “We think that every patient deserves a doctor who puts them and their family first while providing excellent care with the assistance of an exceptional team.”