A private countywide clinic system has become one of the first programs to be accredited for its patient-centered care by a national organization.

Clinicas del Camino Real is one of the first eight outpatient systems in the nation to be accredited by The Joint Commission as a primary care medical home. The nonprofit commission, which evaluates and accredits about 19,000 health care organizations, started offering its new designation in July.

Officials of The Joint Commission said Clinicas is one of four organizations in California to earn the primary care medical home stamp.

“It demonstrates that the center is truly patient-centered and they’re truly organizing how they deliver care in a way that’s more beneficial to the patient,” said Michael Kulczycki, executive director of the commission’s ambulatory care accreditation.

Clinicas is a 40-year-old system that operates 12 health centers throughout the county aimed at medically underserved communities. Kulczycki said the primary care medical home designation is designed for clinics that meet standards for coordinating and tracking all aspects of care as well as providing follow-up. Systems also have to show patients have easy access not only to doctor’s appointments but to test results and after-hours care.

“With managed care and HMOs and reimbursement driving so much of how health care is driven, the medical community has gotten away from what is most important — patient-centered care,” he said.

The concept of serving as a medical home — a place where patients go for as much care as possible — has become a trend.

Roberto Juarez, CEO of Clinicas del Camino Real, said the system orbits around the patient’s needs. He noted national health care reform will ultimately mean that facilities accredited as a medical home will get more insurance reimbursement.

“It’s a designation that I think health care practices across country … everyone is going to have to attain,” he said.