News Release
Mercy Clinics receives national Acclaim Award
November 10, 2008
Innovative care in the management of chronic medical conditions has earned Mercy Clinics the American Medical Group Association (AMGA)’s 2008 Acclaim Award.
The AMGA cited Mercy Clinics’ long history of continuous quality improvement and clinic leadership involvement as one of the reasons for this prestigious national honor. Mercy Clinics is adding to the body of evidence-based research on the best way to care for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Clinics’ staff piloted an initiative program called the “Medical Home” to improve quality and access to care for patients. As part of this effort, a Health Coach program was also developed to track a patient’s care. Health Coaches review medical records and provide ongoing support for patients through face-to-face appointments and by phone.
Outcomes showed significant improvement in patient blood sugar and blood pressure control. Mercy Clinics collaborated with Des Moines University to develop a Health Coach certification program. The first class graduated 21 certified Health Coaches. Sixteen of the graduates currently work for Mercy Clinics. A number of clinic systems also have traveled to Des Moines to learn about the program.
“We are delighted with the effectiveness of the ‘Medical Home’ and Health Coach initiative,” said Mercy Clinics Vice President of Quality David Swieskowski, MD. “Our goal is to continually improve the quality and delivery of patient care using evidence-based practices. We believe patients who use Mercy Clinics for their health care receive some of the best care available.”
AMGA says Acclaim award recipients like Mercy Clinics are helping expand the quality of care being provided by the medical community. “The projects honored represent a monumental leap forward in providing our patients the health care they need and want,” said Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., AMGA’s president and chief executive officer and American Medical Group Foundation secretary/treasurer. “We salute the dedication of the organizations’ leadership and the health care providers in improving patient outcomes, patient safety, and efficiency of care; improving preventative and chronic care; and establishing uniform clinical and service measures to provide incentives for excellence.”
AMGA states Mercy Clinics, and groups honored with this award, exemplify the best quality health care in the United States. The efforts of multispecialty medical groups and other organized systems of care provide the right care at the right time in the most efficient manner. Only one Acclaim award is given nationally along with two honoree recognitions. This is the second straight year Mercy Clinics has been recognized for excellence by AMGA. In 2009 Mercy Clinics was an Acclaim Honoree.
Contact Gregg Lagan
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
515-247-3050
cell 515-490-6636
