Patient-centered medical home

Abstract

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a conceptual framework and operational model for primary care service delivery that began over a decade ago in response to a dysfunctional health-care system in the United States. In 2007, four national organizations representing primary care issued the joint principles of PCMH which include personal physician, physician-directed medical practice, whole-person orientation, coordinated care, quality and safety, enhanced access, and payment. These principles provide the framework for the key functions of robust medical homes. A review of the PCMH evidence base points to inconclusive results with some favorable effects on quality of care, hospital and emergency department use, and patient or caregiver experience and a few unfavorable effects on costs.