The UAB Pediatric Primary Care Clinic (PCC) and Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) have joined forces to improve the patient experience. “We are excited about this collaborative effort to improve our patient’s access to medical care outside of normal office hours,” said Candice Dye, M.D., Academic General Pediatrics, Medical Director of Pediatric Primary Care Clinic.

This collaboration began with a mutual goal as the PCC and JCDH both strive to achieve Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) certification.

Extended hours are a core component to PCMH certification. Our practices recognize that patients’ care needs are not confined to normal operating hours. Offering appointments outside typical business hours not only gives patients greater access to care, but it also provides a cost-effective option in today’s current health system where we need to use resources more judiciously. In an effort to work together to address this challenge, the PCC and JCDH have entered into a joint venture in an extended hour model starting in November where we will see each other’s patients two evenings a week, from 5:00-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Extended hours are by appointment only and available to established patients by utilizing the usual phone coverage for their own primary care practice and then being directed to the designated site. This new collaboration not only helps us achieve PCMH certification, but more importantly, it offers a much needed resource to our patients and families.

The PCC is also accepting new patients. For appointments, call 205-638-9096. To find out more, please visit our website.