Patient-centered medical homes deliver on promises

Patient-centered medical homes have long been thought to reduce healthcare costs. A recent study published in the journal Health Services Research confirms that they actually do.

The study looked at PCMHs recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, as well as practices that are not—referred to as the “comparison group.” It found that medical homes with the NCQA seal had lower payments from Medicare (saving money for the program), less money spent on urgent or acute care, and fewer overall visits to the emergency department among the patients they saw.

PCMHs strive to deliver greater coordination of care through provider teamwork, patient communication, care management and technology, and report after report has shown that they accomplish this. 

For example, a 2012 review of PCMH initiatives in states across the country by the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative showed marked improvement in areas such as quality of services, chronic disease management and patient satisfaction, just to name a few.

The latest study demonstrates the quantifiable effect PCMHs can have in reducing overall costs. Contrasted against the “comparison group,” NCQA-recognized medical homes reduced Medicare payments by an average of $325 per patient and potentially aPatient-centered medical homes have long been thought to reduce healthcare costs. A recent study published in the journal Health Services Research confirms that they actually do.

The study looked at PCMHs recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, as well as practices that are not—referred to as the “comparison group.” It found that medical homes with the NCQA seal had lower payments from Medicare (saving money for the program), less money spent on urgent or acute care, and fewer overall visits to the emergency department among the patients they saw.

PCMHs strive to deliver greater coordination of care through provider teamwork, patient communication, care management and technology, and report after report has shown that they accomplish this. 

For example, a 2012 review of PCMH initiatives in states across the country by the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative showed marked improvement in areas such as quality of services, chronic disease management and patient satisfaction, just to name a few.

The latest study demonstrates the quantifiable effect PCMHs can have in reducing overall costs. Contrasted against the “comparison group,” NCQA-recognized medical homes reduced Medicare payments by an average of $325 per patient and potentially avoidable visits to surgical specialists dropped by 3%.
oidable visits to surgical specialists dropped by 3%.