Amerigroup Expands Medical Home Initiative in Georgia

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation announced its support of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians' (GAFP) second generation of its Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) University, granting $50,000 to assist in successfully implementing the project.

Highlighting the importance of relationships between Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and patients, the Amerigroup Foundation hopes to ensure Georgians receive guidance on the most efficient ways to use the health care system.

"Amerigroup is the first insurance company in Georgia to step up and support primary care physicians transitioning into medical homes by subsidizing Georgia Academy of Family Physician's Patient Centered Medical Home University," said Dr. Harry S. Strothers III, fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians, chairman of the GAFP board of directors. "They are truly the leader of their industry, and we thank Amerigroup for making a difference and helping to transform primary care in Georgia."

The GAFP proposes to recruit up to 20 primary care practices interested in PCMH transformation and up to 10 currently recognized by the National Council for Quality Assurance as PCMH practices.

"We are honored to support the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians' innovative efforts to transform primary care practices and to improve health care overall in Georgia," said Dr. William Alexander, medical director for Amerigroup Community Care of Georgia. "Through the Patient-centered Medical Home University, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is increasing the number of primary care physicians, providing health care that improves quality, safety, care coordination, access and patient satisfaction."

According to the latest Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) report, Amerigroup currently ranks fifth nationally for the number of providers participating in its PCMH pilot project, and is the only program in the top 10 that is solely dedicated to serving public beneficiaries. 

About Georgia Academy of Family Physicians
Established in 1947, the GAFP is a member chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. GAFP strives to promote the specialty of family medicine through the education of and service to family physicians in Georgia. Boasting a membership of 2,600 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students, the organization supports those who aspire to achieve excellence and who are committed to delivering it. For more information, visit GAFP on the Web at www.gafp.org or call 404-321-7445.

About the Amerigroup Foundation
The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP),
a multistate managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Va. The Foundation works to create healthy communities by fostering access to health care, encouraging safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods.

SOURCE Amerigroup Foundation