A Word on Validation

We all want validation in our work. For primary care physician practices, validation has taken on an entirely new meaning in recent years with the aggressive move towards transformation to Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) and URAC’s Patient Centered Health Care Homes (PCHCH –https://www.urac.org/healthcare/prog_accred_pchch_toolkit.aspx).  

For practices seeking official validation as a PCMH and/or a PCHCH, it is important to make sure that all practice members have been involved in the transformation process and are prepared to be part of the validation visit.  The ultimate goal of validation is to assess/confirm the transformation of a practice from the ground level up to ensure that optimal patient- centeredness has been achieved.  This undertaking requires full commitment by members of the office team, not to mention an investment of time and money for practice reengineering.

Not only must a practice be ready for a validation visit, but the person performing the audit also must fully understand the PCMH/PCHCH process to be able to assess the practice appropriately.  An auditor should be able to offer suggestions and guidance to make sure that the changes the practice is making are sustainable in the long-term.  Whether you are the auditor or a member of the practice team, we all want the same thing- to improve the quality of care for the patient and the health care system.

2012 will see a surge in validations now that URAC is launching its PCHCH Practice Achievement Recognition program on an international scope.  When you are looking for a validation team, consider PTI.   Why? Experience counts.  We have trained auditors and are the first organization to receive PCHCH Certified Auditor status.  

What do you have to say about validation? PTI wants to hear it.