DOWNEY - AltaMed, which operates 43 medical and dental facilities throughout Southern California, including a senior center in Downey, has been awarded the "Gold Seal of Approval" from the Joint Commission accrediting body.The Joint Commission issued the designation after finding that AltaMed met its standards for "Primary Care Medical Home" (PCMH). Under the PCMH model, AltaMed primary care doctors work with an interdisciplinary team to support the patient and "ensure comprehensive and coordinated care, treatment and services." To earn the designation, AltaMed underwent an unannounced, on-site survey the week of July 11. A team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated AltaMed staff for compliance. "Organizations that pursue the PCMH option from the Joint Commission are demonstrating the highest commitment to delivering primary care in a comprehensive, coordinated and accessible model," said Michael Kulczycki, executive director of the Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program at the Joint Commission. AltaMed is the first organization to receive the "Gold Seal of Approval" in PCMH. The designation was enacted July 1 of this year.

********** Published: August 25, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 19