News and Events
2. Awarded designation of Patient Centered Medical Home by HVPA
3. Electronic Health Records
Best Practices Award by Blue Care Network of Michigan
In March 2011, Thorrez Medical Practice was awarded Best Practices by Blue Care Network of Michigan for our lead screening program.
Why is it important to screen lead levels in children?
Lead, even at low levels of exposure, can damage children's brains. Very high blood levels of lead poisoning can result in seizures, coma and even death. Of concern is that children can have significant blood levels of lead without clinical symptoms. Therefore, lead screening is very important, especially in high risk young children living in older housing with exposure to lead based paint and lead contaminated dust.
Blue Care Network of MI newsletter article:
Thorrez Medical Practice Makes Lead Screening a Priority
Resources for more information on lead screening, safety and prevention:
Lead Screening by the Amercian Academy of Pediatrics
Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Patient Centered Medical Home
In December 2011, Thorrez Medical Practice was awarded the designation of Patient Centered Medical Home by Huron Valley Physicians Association for its strong dedication to improving the delivery and quality of care for patients.
What is a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?
A Patient Centered Medical Home is a team-based model of care which includes a variety of health care professionals who work collaboratively to provide continuous and coordinated care. A PCMH is patient centered and your active participation in the care of your family is encouraged and supported.
Responsibilities of a PCMH include:
A PCMH is responsible for providing all of a patient's health care needs or coordinating arrangements with other qualified professionals to obtain care. A PCMH will still provide treatment for acute and chronic illness.
Goals of a PCMH include:
A PCMH focuses on disease prevention and provision of patient education to assist patients in self-management of chronic health conditions. Another goal of a PCMH is to provide high levels of quality care, access, communication, safety and coordination of necessary referral care and services.
What is a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?
A Patient Centered Medical Home is a team-based model of care which includes a variety of health care professionals who work collaboratively to provide continuous and coordinated care. A PCMH is patient centered and your active participation in the care of your family is encouraged and supported.
Responsibilities of a PCMH include:
A PCMH is responsible for providing all of a patient's health care needs or coordinating arrangements with other qualified professionals to obtain care. A PCMH will still provide treatment for acute and chronic illness.
Goals of a PCMH include:
A PCMH focuses on disease prevention and provision of patient education to assist patients in self-management of chronic health conditions. Another goal of a PCMH is to provide high levels of quality care, access, communication, safety and coordination of necessary referral care and services.
The Thorrez Medical Practice PCMH:
At Thorrez Medical Practice, your PCMH health care team is comprised of physicians, a physician assistant, registered nurses, medical assistants and office staff.
Our future goals include:
As we develop this newer model of care, we hope to progress toward offering services such as: additional support in-between office appointments by nurses and/or medical assistants; expanded opportunties for patient education; and planned care office visits specifically for chronic disease management to provide evaluation, monitoring and ongoing patient education.
References and resources on PCMH:
United States Department of Health and Human Services: PCMH Resource Center
Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative
Electronic Health Records
In January 2012, electronic health records (EHR) and a new practice management system was implemented into our pediatric patient centered medical home.
What are electronic health records?
EHR are a computerized system that stores and provides access to clinical data for a specific patient. This health related information can be created, compiled, managed and referred to by authorized health care professionals and office staff within our practice. EHR may also be referred to as electronic medical records.
Why are electronic health records useful?
This new information technology will enable us to improve efficiency, communication and safety. You will still be able to retrieve copies of your medical records as needed, upon request.
Are electronic health records kept private?
Your electronic health record remains private unless you provide permission to share the information, or it is legally allowed and necessary to do so for care of the patient.
Converting from paper charts to electronic health records:
As we convert paper medical records into electronic health records, we appreciate your understanding and patience as this new system is integrated into our practice.
References and resources on EHR:
United States Department of Health & Human Services: Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality
Electronic Medical Records by the AAP
AAP Policy Statement: Health Information Technology and the Medical Home
Thorrez Medical Practice
2900 Packard Rd, Suite 1
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Phone: 734-572-8686
Office Hours:
9am – 5pm: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9am – 6pm: Tuesday
10am – 12noon: Saturday (for sick visits only)
Monday – Friday the office is closed between 12:30pm and 2pm. Our answering service takes calls during the lunch period. During "off hours" patients may call the office and are instructed on how to call the answering service if needed.
Updated March 2012
