KALAMAZOO — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has designated 17 Bronson medical practices, including Bronson LakeView Family Care Decatur, as patient-centered medical homes for 2013.

The designation places them among a select number of primary care practices in Michigan that are improving health care quality and lowering costs through a coordinated, team focus on their patients’ health and wellness.

A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is comprised of a care team led by a primary care physician.

The team monitors a patient’s health on an ongoing basis and coordinates their care across a spectrum of services and locations.

Patients who use PCMH practices often receive services that may not be offered elsewhere, such as 24-hour access to a care team, and coordination of specialty care such as nutrition counseling, home care or links to community services.

They also teach patients how to better-manage chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Bronson’s medical practices are among 1,243 designated PCMH practices throughout the state that have seen positive collective results in improved care at lower costs.

A recent analysis shows that the statewide program saved approximately $155 million over its three years because of improved quality of care and preventive care that helped patients avoid emergency room visits and hospital stays.

The number of physicians earning PCMH designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has tripled since Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan first launched the program in 2009.

“Now that we’re in our fifth year of this program, we’re seeing measurable improvement in patient outcomes, and doctors are telling us that their practices are more fulfilling, effective and efficient,” said David Share, M.D., MPH, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan senior vice president, Value Partnerships.

Van Buren County medical practices receiving the designation also include Bronson Lakeview Family Care Paw Paw Suites A and B.