Understanding Patient-Centered Medical Homes: Improving Your Healthcare Experience

Family medicine practices across the country are undergoing a transformation by adopting a team-based model of care called a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). This innovative approach focuses on providing the highest quality of primary care, designed to address your preventive needs and manage complex chronic conditions.

How Patient-Centered Medical Homes Work

In a PCMH, your doctor's practice becomes a physician-led team that takes the time to get to know you, develop a long-term treatment plan, focus on prevention, educate you about your health goals, and coordinate care with other specialists when necessary. The team is available to you, at least by telephone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National accreditation programs hold PCMHs accountable to high standards by providing certifications and tracking their progress. The switch to this model is driven by employers who recognize its potential for providing high-quality, efficient care while reducing unnecessary treatments, as well as by doctors who appreciate the decreased burnout among physicians and staff due to the team-based approach.

Benefits of Patient-Centered Medical Homes for You

As a patient in a PCMH, you are the focus of the care provided. The goal is to make you more comfortable with your team and more likely to adhere to your treatment plan. By taking a preventive approach to your care, you can stay healthier, save money, and improve your quality of life. Additionally, you'll receive better treatment, with team members following up to ensure you've stuck with your medication regimen, gotten scheduled screenings, and kept appointments with specialists.

Questions to Ask When Your Doctor's Office Becomes a PCMH

• Who's on your care team, and what are their roles?

• How will this change your access to care, such as longer office hours?

• How often will you have regular appointments?

• When will your team develop a care plan for you?

• Does the PCMH use a patient portal for accessing test results, medical records, and prescription refills?

As a patient in a PCMH, you should also inquire about how you can be a good team player. Find out if the staff will provide educational resources to help you better manage your healthcare and how they'll follow up with you. Remember to speak up, come prepared with questions, and consider becoming a patient adviser to help work on quality improvements within the practice.

By understanding the benefits and workings of a patient-centered medical home, you can take advantage of this innovative approach to healthcare and experience improved care and better health outcomes.

For more information on patient-centered medical homes, visit:

• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) - PCMH Recognition

• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - The Medical Home

• Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) - The Medical Home