What is the main objective of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH)?

The main objective of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) is to deliver coordinated and efficient care through a team-based approach. This model of care focuses on building a strong patient-provider relationship, where care is centralized around the patient’s needs and preferences.

In a PCMH, healthcare is delivered by a comprehensive team that collaborates to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that all aspects of a patient's health are addressed. This includes not only treating illness but also promoting preventive care, managing chronic diseases, and coordinating referrals to specialists and services. By doing so, the model enhances the patient experience and improves health outcomes.

This focus on team-based care helps reduce fragmentation in the healthcare system, fostering better communication among providers and patients. It encourages a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of understanding the patient's individual context and actively engaging them in their own care. As such, the PCMH model aligns with the goals of improving quality, enhancing patient satisfaction, and reducing costs over time by preventing unnecessary hospital visits and improving health management.