Medical home (a/k/a health home) model: Primary care that contributes to meeting APHA's public health priorities

The medical home concept, introduced by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1967, emphasizes comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, family-centered care. As the model evolved, it has also become known as the “patient-centered medical home.” The model focuses on prevention, wellness, chronic disease management, and integration of primary care with all services necessary for holistic care. These include mental health, oral health, nutrition, hearing and vision care, etc. The model contributes to meeting public health priorities, e.g., improving access to care, reducing disparities, and reducing preventable emergency department utilization and hospitalization. Because of its emphasis on health and wellness, the model has sometimes been called the “health home.” While some medical groups have described the model as being “physician driven,” the medical home is inclusive of the full range of health professionals (nurses, osteopaths, naturopaths, OB/GYN, etc.) who may provide primary care in their state. The presentations in this session will describe the medical (a/k/a health) home model, its role in improving public health, and evidence of efficacy as available to date. Presenters will represent multiple points of view including family practice, nursing, mental health, nutrition, and pediatrics. Elements of the model will be described including care coordination, use of health information technology, patient self-management, evidence-based screening, etc. Presenters will discuss how the model improves care for high-risk and medically underserved populations and reduces health disparities. We will discuss policy implications and possible legislative action to more broadly implement the medical home model. Ample time will be allocated for discussion.