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By: Theodore E. Wymyslo, MD, Director, Ohio Department of Health
The patient-centered medical home model of care is an approach to health care that emphasizes care coordination, disease prevention and patient communication. The concept is transforming health care in Ohio because it is designed to save countless lives, while saving millions of dollars. Geriatric health care providers who regularly coordinate care for older Ohioans are one of the professional groups in the best position to implement this model. Every day, as they coordinate care between subspecialists, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, primary care providers, rehabilitation centers and many other health care professionals, they see first-hand that without care coordination, consumers will not achieve the improved quality of life that accompanies good health.
A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model employs a multi-disciplinary team that includes the patient and that, together, takes responsibility for the patient's ongoing needs and care. Care coordination is the hallmark of the PCMH model: a primary health care provider and a supporting team of health professionals coordinate and integrate a person's overall health needs. The model also is designed around the core principles of safe and high quality care, enhanced access to care, and payment that recognizes the added value of integrated health care delivery. Often, these goals are best achieved by using electronic health records.
The PCMH model can be tailored easily to address specific needs of special populations. This makes it possible to develop personal, age-specific care plans that effectively address common prevention guidelines and health conditions for seniors.
The Ohio Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative assists those who are interested in developing PCMHs. It is a coalition of primary care providers, insurers, employers, consumer advocates, government officials and public health professionals who are joining together to facilitate the start-up of more PCMH model practices throughout Ohio.
Visit the Ohio Department of Health's website to learn how you can join hundreds of health care providers throughout the state who have committed to practicing the PCMH model of care. This site will help connect existing PCMH practices, serve as a resource for information and best practices in the PCMH model, assist practices that want to learn more about how to become a PCMH, and link users to other resources.
Aging Connection, published regularly by the Ohio Department of Aging, connects professionals in Ohio’s aging network to information and resources that can help them care for and serve our older citizens. Topics include the latest resources and best pactices within the aging network, state and federal programs and benefits, pending and recent policy and legislation that may impact older Ohioans, the latest research in gerontology and aging issues and more.
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