The Article in Brief

Elements of the Patient-Centered Medical Home in Family Practices in Virginia

Debora Goetz Goldberg , and colleagues

Background The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a new model of care designed to help primary care practices improve access, quality of care, and business functions. This study reports on characteristics of family practices in Virginia and how they compare to core features of the PCMH.

What This Study Found Most family practices in this study have components of the PCMH model pertaining to whole-person orientation and care by a personal physician. Fewer practices have components that require considerable financial and knowledge resources. Specifically, most practices report use of continuity-of-care processes (87%) and clinical guidelines (77%). Fewer report use of patient surveys (48%), electronic medical records for internal coordination (38%), community linkages for care (31%) and clinical performance measurement (28%). A small number report patient registries for multiple diseases (19%).

Implications

• These study results can help guide efforts, evaluate progress, and develop policies for health care model reform.
• Increased attention is needed to transform family practices in the areas of quality and safety, coordination of care, team-based care, and enhanced access to care.