Manhattan's Physician Group Opens Patient-Centered Medical Home in Harlem

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan's Physician Group (MPG) has opened a multi-specialty medical practice at 215 West 125th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards in Harlem to provide coordinated health care with increased access and convenience for all residents in the community. 

EmblemHealth will provide "point-of-care" support to MPG patients in the Harlem facility to help with medication and treatment adherence, home care, and community resources. Point-of-care coordination helps reduce the need for hospital readmission after discharge and has resulted in improved health outcomes and increased member satisfaction.

MPG recently received Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition at Level 3, the highest level, for six of its practices in Manhattan from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Under a patient-centered medical home model, patients actively participate in their own care, and treatment is coordinated through a primary care physician who leads a team of health care professionals. 

Federal and New York State health reforms encourage patient-centered medical home models. Medical homes create meaningful partnerships among physicians, patients and their families.  

"To provide the highest level of quality care, we are continually upgrading our services to provide the best outcomes for our patients," said Howard Tepper, MPG Chief Executive Officer, noting that the new Harlem office replaces an office on Amsterdam Avenue. "The medical home model is another change to support superior care. MPG continues to expand our clinical services, locations, and supporting technologies. For example, our sophisticated electronic medical records system allows easy exchange of patient data between our physicians, specialists, labs, pharmacies and hospitals, thereby fostering communication, eliminating medical errors, and improving patient service." 

Often, there is little coordination of care outside a medical practice, which can lead to delays as hospitals or other physicians seek records, or unnecessary costs. In the MPG model, every patient has a privacy-protected electronic medical record that follows them through all levels of care so every physician has the same information. The patient-centered medical home means that the medical practice also coordinates with community and education resources to provide a wide range of care for the patient and family.

The new MPG facility features a broad selection of medical services, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, gastroenterology, infectious disease and nutrition. The 18,000-square foot facility will have an advanced electronic medical records system, providing patients with features that include electronic prescription fulfillment and secure email correspondence with physicians.

"Throughout our history, we have continued to support innovation and integration to best serve our members," says William Gillespie, MD, Chief Medical Officer for EmblemHealth. "Our long-standing relationship with MPG is built on improving health outcomes and providing quality care and value. MPG's new medical facility exemplifies the difference between a state-of-the-art medical practice with integrated care coordination like MPG and other physician choices in the community that do not have all these capabilities."

MPG provides comprehensive and affordable health care to EmblemHealth members throughout Manhattan.  

About MPG:

Manhattan's Physician Group (MPG) is a physician-owned and operated multi-specialty medical group, comprised of over 70 board certified providers. With seven convenient locations throughout the borough, MPG offers a complete range of services and provides patients with comprehensive and continuous health care that is affordable, accountable and accessible. For additional information on MPG, visit www.mpgcares.com. 

About EmblemHealth:

EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 2.8 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. We offer a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.     

SOURCE EmblemHealth