Core Features & Benefits | Talking Points & Sample Letters | Coverage in the Media | Promotion of the Medical Home | Medical Home Initiatives & Projects | Resources

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) generally has seven core features:

• Personal physician
• Physician-directed practice
• Whole person orientation
• Coordination and integration of health care
• Quality and safety
• Enhanced access
• Appropriate payment

For an individual, the PCMH model provides a regular source of primary care, which is associated with better health outcomes at lower costs. But, the PCMH model will also improve the patient experience. For example, patients enjoy enhanced access to care through open scheduling, expanded hours and new options for communication between patients, their personal physician and practice staff.

The medical home is characterized by:

• Greater access to needed services
• Better quality of care
• Greater focus on prevention
• Early identification and management of health problems

Having a regular source of preventive and primary care is associated with:

• Lower per person costs
• Lower emergency room utilization
• Fewer hospital admissions
• Fewer unnecessary tests and procedures
• Less illness and injury
• Higher patient satisfaction