North East Medical Services (NEMS)

Overview

North East Medical Services (NEMS) is a non-profit community health center dedicated to serving the medically underserved populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1968, NEMS began operations in 1971 to address the lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate healthcare services in the community.

Mission and Values

NEMS aims to provide affordable, comprehensive, compassionate, and quality healthcare services in a manner that is both linguistically competent and culturally sensitive. The organization values patient-centered care, continuous improvement in service quality, and ethical standards in all healthcare and support services. NEMS focuses on empowering patients by providing health education and bridging the gap between Western and Asian medical practices, reflecting its commitment to the diverse community it serves.

Services

NEMS offers a wide range of healthcare services, including:

• Primary Care Specialties: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Obstetrics/Gynecology.
• Specialty Care: Dentistry, Optometry, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and Radiology.
• Ancillary Services: Acupuncture, Behavioral Health, Chiropractic, Podiatry, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Social Services.
• Integrative Health Services: Physical Therapy and other complementary therapies to support holistic patient care.
• Programs for Seniors: NEMS operates a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), providing health and community-based services for older adults with chronic health needs.

Locations

NEMS operates across several locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, with clinics and service delivery sites in San Francisco, Daly City, and San Jose. The main clinic is located in San Francisco's Chinatown, serving as a hub for the organization's services.

Recognition and Accreditation

NEMS has received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for various aspects of its operations, including Case Management, Credentialing & Recredentialing, and Utilization Management. Additionally, NEMS has achieved NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Level 3 recognition, emphasizing its commitment to patient-centered care.

Electronic Health Records and Technology

NEMS uses the Epic electronic health record system to enhance patient care and coordination. This system includes the MyChart patient portal, which allows patients to access their health information and manage their care online. NEMS is also part of Epic Care Everywhere, a health information exchange that enables healthcare providers to access patients' electronic health records securely.

Funding and Support

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, NEMS relies on support from individual contributions, private foundations, public grants, contracts, and partnerships to carry out its mission. This support is critical in maintaining the organization's commitment to serving low-income and immigrant communities.

Impact and Growth

Over its more than 50 years of service, NEMS has grown significantly, currently serving over 70,000 patients annually. The organization's growth reflects its dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of the underserved and its role as a vital healthcare provider in the San Francisco Bay Area.