As we reflect on the past year, we at the PCPCH program are feeling truly grateful for the dedication, ingenuity, and genuine "heart" that PCPCH providers and staff continue to model as they deliver high-quality care to their patients amidst a constantly evolving health care landscape. |
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We know that this year has come with changes, uncertainty, and new obstacles within Oregon's health care system. And yet, our community of clinics and partners continue to rise to the challenge and inspire us with their creativity and resilience. In the past year alone, we've been able to award 26 PCPCHs the Health Equity Designation and witness 35% of clinics attest to a higher tier level under the 2025 version of the model!
Source: PCPCH Program data which includes the 435 practices that had applied under both the 2020 and 2025 model as of 10/1/25.
All that said, the amount of duties that you are juggling has not gone unnoticed, and one of our top goals this coming year is to take concrete steps to streamline participation in our program and provide support where needed so that you can focus on providing the best care for your patients. We look forward to continuing to partner with you in the year ahead!
You may recall that all practices that applied or re-applied for PCPCH recognition in 2024 were required to re-apply within one year. The purpose of this shortened recognition cycle was to ensure that all PCPCHs are recognized under the new 2025 version of the PCPCH model by January of 2026.
As we approach the end of the year, we just wanted to remind all PCPCHs that moving forward, their recognition cycle will once again be two years instead of one. In other words, all PCPCHs that applied in 2025 are not due to re-apply again until 2027. Practices may still choose to apply before this if they wish to increase their tier level or apply for the Health Equity Designation, but they are not required to do so.
Practices can find their unique 2027 re-application deadline in the letter of recognition that was emailed to them following their attestation. Feel free to email pcpch@oha.oregon.gov if you need another copy of that letter to keep for your records.
PCPCH Program staff will be publishing a report in January outlining the overall impact of the program on health care services, costs, and other topics related to primary care. The report will also explore the types of practices that are recognized as PCPCHs, clinic feedback, and the steps that will be taken in the coming year to improve their overall experience with the program. |
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(Series starts on January 7)
Registration is now open for Oregon ECHO Network programs launching in January 2026. These virtual, interactive, case-based programs are offered free of charge, and most award no-cost continuing medical education credits.
Among the various topics offered, the Palliative Care in Primary Care 12-session ECHO series will increase the capacity of primary care clinicians and community care teams to provide primary palliative care services. PCPCHs may find this useful as PCPCH Standard 5.F.0 requires all clinics participating in the program to have a plan in place for coordinating hospice and palliative care and counseling services.
Virtual sessions take place Wednesdays,12-1pm, Pacific time, January 7 - March 26, 2026. Click here to register.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is promoting the following resources related to language access within health care settings. The ability to provide time-of-service interpretation is a required standard within the PCPCH model (6.A.0), and several other optional standards recognize practices that improve language access in other ways. See details below:
Webinar: OHA Health Care Interpreter Program rule changes and resources (January 15)
The OHA Health Care Interpreter Program is hosting a webinar on Thursday, January 15 from 7:30-8:30am to inform providers on health care interpreter rule changes and resources. It will also include a panel discussion featuring health care providers and health care interpreters from the OHA health care interpreter central registry. Click here to register.
Increasing Language Access in Oregon: A Workbook for Providers
This workbook is designed to help health care organizations and providers understand Oregon's language access requirements and take practical steps to ensure patients receive care they understand. It highlights strategies to: |
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- Meet federal and state standards
- Improve performance on the Meaningful Language Access (Health Equity) measure
- Strengthen trust and communication with patients who prefer a language other than English or who use sign language
This workbook was developed by NORC at the University of Chicago in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority. It was launched during a one-hour webinar on December 9. The slides and recording will be posted soon to the language access technical assistance webpage.
A Primary Care Investment Guide has been published by Harvard Medical School's Center for Primary Care, among other partners, which details how policymakers, employers, provider organization leadership, practices and health plans can most effectively leverage primary care to improve health and lower costs. Specifically, the guide promotes six team-based services that improve health outcomes, reduce costs, enhance patient experience, support workforce wellbeing, and advance equity. See the Primary Care Collaborative's webpage for a more comprehensive description, and click here for the official executive summary and recommendations.
Questions?
We are here to help! Contact us at PCPCH@oha.oregon.gov
About the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program
Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes (PCPCHs) are health care practices that have been recognized by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for their commitment to providing high quality, patient-centered care.The PCPCH Program administers the application, recognition, and verification process for practices applying to become Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes.The program is also working with partners across Oregon to support adoption of the primary care home model. For more information visit www.PrimaryCareHome.oregon.gov.
The mission of the PCPCH Program is to be a trusted partner in primary care, collaborating with stakeholders to set the standard for transformative, whole-person, and evidence-based care.
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