State Steering Committee on Medical Home Reviews Projects

Medical Home Steering Committee of Multi-payer Enhanced Primary Care Home Task Force met July 20 and reviewed funding proposals for advancing the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) in Ohio.

A host of initiatives were reviewed and discussed for potential funding from the $1.5 million in one-time state dollars which are required to be expended prior to the end of the state’s biennial budget (Thursday, June 30, 2011). Discussions relative to initiatives focused on the feasibility of suggested projects and how can the $1.5 million best be spent to maximize desired impact.

Among the ideas discussed were:

• Developing a statewide communication and education strategy for PCMH
• Hosting a payment reform summit
• Hosting a statewide educational event on PCMH
• Offer practice coaching and learning collaboratives for existing initiatives
• Facilitation of expansion initiatives in areas identified in HB198
• Expanding the enhanced primary care home/aging network partnership
• Develop consumer engagement resource portal.

Following discussion and input from the Steering Committee, Council staff will revise proposals for presentation to the appropriate subcommittee of the Health Care Coverage and Quality Council for further consideration.

In addition, it was announced that the state of Ohio has decided not to apply for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Multi-payer Advanced Primary Care Practice Demonstration. It was felt that solicitation and comparison to Ohio’s Multi-Payer Enhanced Primary Care Home Initiative did not align well at this time.

Participants on the Steering Committee include OAFP members:

• Drs. John DiSabato
• Dr. Robert Graham
• Dr. Sarah Sams
• Dr. Ted Wymyslo

The next meeting of Enhanced Primary Care Home Steering Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 8.