SIM decision to use national PCMH standards affirmed – again
At last night’s SIM Practice Transformation committee meeting, consumer advocates were able to halt erosion of national standards for patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs). Following research and best practices and resisting misinformation, in June the committee voted to use nationally recognized NCQA standards for PCMHs in SIM. NCQA-recognized PCMHs are the foundation of CT Medicaid’s remarkable success in lowering costs, improving quality and engaging new providers in the program. Unfortunately, there have been more recent efforts in the committee to erode that decision. Last night’s meeting was frustrating to watch as much policymaking was based on misleading anecdotes, random conversations, and lack of understanding of health policies – thankfully advocates did their homework and cited published research to make their case. Eventually SIM staff reaffirmed that NCQA standards will be the “framework” and “backbone” for PCMH standard setting in SIM. It is important to note that Massachusetts has reportedly reversed their decision to create state-specific PCMH standards.