What is a medical home (patient-centered medical home)?

A medical home, also known as a patient-centered medical home, represents a team-based model of care that emphasizes the role of a personal physician in coordinating comprehensive health services for patients. This model prioritizes the establishment of long-term relationships between patients and their care teams, ensuring that patients receive personalized, coordinated care that addresses their individual health needs.

In this model, the personal physician takes responsibility for the overall care of the patient, overseeing specialist referrals, managing chronic conditions, and facilitating access to both preventive and acute services. This holistic approach ensures that the patient's healthcare is organized and integrated, improving not only the quality of care but also the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

The focus is on care coordination and continuity, allowing for better health outcomes, as well as greater patient satisfaction due to the supportive and accessible care environment created through this model. By utilizing a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, the medical home structure enhances the patient experience and empowers them to take an active role in managing their health.