Dr. Masoud Ahdieh’s office is the first primary care practice to be awarded Level Three Recognition in Richmond County. In this photo: Mohamed Merghani, M.D.; Charlotte McNeill, NP-C; Masoud Ahdieh, M.D., P.A.

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Thirty-one years ago, Dr. Masoud Ahdieh was the first pediatrician to open a practice in Richmond County. Perhaps it’s fitting that his office is now the first to be awarded Level 3 Recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

This is the highest level of recognition from the committee.

“This is the first primary care practice to be awarded Level Three Recognition in Richmond County,” said Tammy McLean, network director at Community Care of the Sandhills. “In fact, we only have three others in our network of seven surrounding counties.”

NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home identifies standards that describe clear and specific criteria. The program gives practices information about organizing care around patients, working in teams and coordinating and tracking care over time.

The patient-centered home approach to care is an emerging national model that provides a coordinated team approach to patient care, attaining and retaining health and well-being.

To achieve NCQA recognition, organizations must meet rigorous standards. Ahdieh’s office scored so well that the group achieved a Level 3 status, the nation’s highest level of recognition.

“We entered the program because we wanted to achieve the level of recognition for the higher level of care we knew we were providing,” said Charlotte McNeill, nurse practitioner.

According to the NCQA, standards are aligned with PCMH, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. Level III is the highest level achievable for a medical home, and the recognition is valid for three years.

“I knew when I left medical school that I wanted to find a small, under-served community to open my practice,” Ahdieh said. “I was referred to Richmond County and I knew this would be a good place to serve.”

In addition to playing a part in the decline of infant mortality rates in the county and being a health care leader, Ahdieh has been an active member of the community, helping pave the way for such endeavors as Discovery Place KIDS, serving on numerous boards and committees including terms as president of the Richmond County Medical Society and Chief of Staff at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial.

“I still believe my existence here is to serve the children and the community,” said Ahdieh. “We are proud to be recognized with this accreditation.”

— Staff Writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com.