PCMH FAQ and Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions About the PCMH Resource Center
How do I get my practice certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?
As a Federal health systems research and health quality improvement agency, AHRQ does not provide guidance or direct support to help individual practices become recognized or certified as patient-centered medical homes.
The National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home (formerly The National Center for Medical Home Implementation) is an excellent source of information and resources for primary care practices that want to become PCMHs.
The National Resource Center is supported by HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration, AHRQ’s sister agency within the Federal Department of Health and Human Services). Although the National Resource Center is oriented toward pediatric practices, much of the information applies across all types of primary care practices.
AHRQ also does not play a role in setting or implementing the certification or accreditation standards for patient-centered medical homes. There is information on the National Resource Center site about how to get in touch with the major national organizations that offer PCMH accreditation or certification.
How do I identify primary care practices in my state/area that are PCMHs?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) does not maintain a list or database of practices or clinics that have been recognized as PCMHs. This information might be available from the organizations that offer PCMH recognition or accreditation programs or from insurers, some of which offer their own PCMH recognition programs. Please contact them directly.
My practice has been recognized as a PCMH but I am having problems getting payments or I have questions about payments.
As a Federal health systems research agency, AHRQ does not play a role in PCMH payments or payment policy. For payment issues or problems, please contact the organization that certified or accredited your practice as a PCMH or the payor.
I am seeking help with obtaining appropriate medical care for myself or a family member, or I’m having problems paying for care. Can you help me find a PCMH? Can you help me find a way to pay for care?
As a Federal health systems research agency, AHRQ does not provide direct clinical care, make recommendations of specific care providers, or provide funding for medical care. Please consult the web site of the Federal Administration for Community Living, or organizations in your local community, as a starting place to find help for yourself or a loved one. You may also want to visit a local community health center. Learn more about health centers and find sites in your area.
Contact Information
If you have a question that is not answered here and you would like more information, please contact the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The public inquiries number is: (301) 427–1104.
More information on AHRQ is also available.
The mailing address for AHRQ is:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Office of Communications
5600 Fishers Lane, 7th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
