New Data Associates Positive Health Outcomes with Comprehensive Primary Care

This month the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) issued an update to their longitudinal study of the impact of patient-centered medical homes on healthcare costs and quality. On February 2nd, they shared the information with the bipartisan Congressional Primary Care Caucus on Capitol Hill to help lawmakers assess implications for Medicare payment reform.

Patient-Centered Medical Homes Explained

To level set on the term, PCPCC defines a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) as a model of care that embraces the relationship between the primary care team and the patient. In the PCMH model, the primary care team supports patients, families and caregivers to develop and adhere to care plans. It takes a whole-person care approach addressing both physical and behavioral health needs; including prevention and wellness services, acute care and chronic condition management.

The PCMH helps coordinate care across the full health system from specialty care to lab and imaging services to home health care and community support. Under the PCMH model, patients have greater access to their primary care team. This means shorter waiting times, enhanced office-hours, and 24/7 electronic or phone access. PCMHs embrace technology both in delivery of services and measuring outcomes.

Go to top