Medical Home
The WSMA supports the implementation of strategies that promote primary
care as described in the following "Core Principles of a Patient-Centered
Medical Home" adopted in March 2007 by the American Academy of Family
Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American
College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Osteopathic Association
(AOA).
Core Principles of a Patient-Centered Medical Home
Personal physician - each patient has an ongoing
relationship with a personal physician trained to provide first contact,
continuous and comprehensive care
Physician directed medical practice – the personal
physician leads a team of individuals at the practice level who
collectively take responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.
Whole person orientation – the personal physician
is responsible for providing for all the patient's health care needs or
taking responsibility for appropriately arranging care with other
qualified professionals. This includes care for all stages of life; acute
care; chronic care; preventive services; and end of life care.
Care is coordinated and/or integrated across all elements
of the complex healthcare system including subspecialty care, hospitals,
home health agencies, nursing homes as well as the patient's community
(e.g., family, public and private community-based services).
Quality and safety are hallmarks of the medical home in
which practices advocate for their patients to support the attainment of
optimal, patient-centered outcomes that are defined by a care planning
process driven by a compassionate, robust partnership between physicians,
patients, and the patient's family.
Enhanced access to care is available through systems such
as open scheduling, expanded hours and new options for communication
between patients, their personal physician, and practice staff.
Payment appropriately recognizes the added value provided
to patients who have a patient-centered medical home.
(Res A-13, A-08)
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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services