One of the recent innovations in delivering more effective primary care to patients is the current Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model.
At least eight pilot demonstration projects, including the Adirondack Medical Home Demonstration (North Country), CDPHP Medical Home Pilot (Capital Region), a combined Excellus and MVP Rochester Medical Home Initiative, and THINC Hudson Valley Medical Home Project are taking place in New York state. A PCMH is a primary physician's office which offers personalized care with a focus on prevention and management of chronic conditions. The office team may include health educators and care managers to help patients handle their care. Electronic medical records are used to facilitate care coordination among a variety of health care providers. Patients have improved access such as same-day appointments and after-hours care. They also may be able to communicate electronically with the office team and obtain test results via phone or a secure website.
Health care providers are compensated for coordinating the patient care in addition to the faceto- face time they spend with patients. CDPHP reported early cost savings including reductions in advanced imaging, emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
NYSUT members may wish to contact their health insurance company concerning any PCMH practice.