Longwood Pediatrics began the process of building a medical home for many of our patients a long time ago, we just did not realize it at the time. The concept of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) has evolved into something that is widely regarded as the future of primary care pediatrics. We have partnered with our colleagues at the Pediatric Physician’s Organization of Children’s Hospital (PPOC) to incorporate the concept of the Patient Centered Medical Home into our practice.
What does the Patient Centered Medical Home look like at Longwood Pediatrics?
Much of what has been described in the medical home model is already in place at Longwood Pediatrics. We began the process of seeking to be formally certified as a PCMH by the NCQA in 2009 through collaboration with our partners at the PPOC. Our goal is to improve care coordination for our patients in all areas (medical, educational, social, emotional). We have focused initially on our patients with special health care needs and certain diagnoses of interest (e.g. asthma), and hopefully will apply what we learn to all of our patients. Our Medical Home team is comprised of three physicians, our Medical Home Care Coordinator, a Social Worker, our Practice Administrator, Operations Supervisor and Administrative Coordinator. Together they help balance our medical care with a strong supportive care program.
Medical Home Care Coordinator
Medical Home is an important part of Longwood Pediatrics. Our goal is to assure we meet all the needs of our patients.
We have a dedicated Medical Home Coordinator, Sophia DeFronzo. Her role is to work in partnership with the pediatric care team at Longwood Pediatrics and the children and families in the practice to ensure that both the medical and non-medical needs of our patients are met.
She will function as an advocate for patient and family needs and work collaboratively with our nursing and physician medical teams to serve as a resource and help establish access to services bridging the gap between Longwood Pediatrics and specialists, schools, and community connections (i.e. early intervention, family support, insurance coverage).
She is available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Please feel free to contact her with any questions you may have and she will do her best to assist you.
Social work
As part of the Longwood Pediatrics’ commitment to comprehensive family-centered care, Jay, Gabrielle, and Rachel are the clinical social workers on our staff. They are members of the pediatric care team and work closely with the Medical Home initiative. They are available for telephone and on-site mental health consultation, assessment, triage, and referrals. Their duties include coordination, screening, and treatment plans for children with ADHD. They are available on a limited basis for treatment of children and families.