Medical Home Coalition Wins Backing of Physician Groups

Joint Principles for a Medical Home

▸ Personal physician. Each patient has an ongoing relationship with a physician who provides continuous and comprehensive care.

▸ Physician direction. A physician-led team collectively takes responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.

▸ Whole-person orientation. A physician is responsible for providing for all of a patient's health care needs or arranging care with other qualified professionals.

▸ Coordinated care. A patient's care is integrated across all elements of the health care system and the community.

▸ Quality and safety. Practices adopt a comprehensive plan of ongoing self-assessment protocols that incorporate accountability, information technology, performance measures, and patient feedback.

▸ Enhanced access. Practices use systems such as open scheduling, expanded hours, and new options for communication among physician, staff, and patients.

▸ Appropriate payment. Payers recognize the added value provided by a medical home, such as care management, care coordination, quality improvement, and savings from reduced hospital visits.

Source: Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative