The concept of the medical home is getting a lot of attention these days. Originally introduced in 1967 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is a model for delivering effective, efficient, patient-centered care. Recently the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, and the American Osteopathic Association have joined AAP to refine the concept for all of primary care. Based on the Chronic Care Model, the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) provides care through prepared, proactive practice teams. It works to create a more engaged patient who is an informed and active partner in their care.
Iowa physicians have shown high interest in the PCMH, and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative believes this model of care is a means of improving quality, patient safety and value of the care delivered to the citizens of Iowa. Our committment to transforming primary care in Iowa focuses on two areas:
- Medical Home Learning Community
- Medical Home System Advisory Council
Medical Home Learning Community
In 2008 a joint initiative of the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative and the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians brought together physician leaders from across the state in a Medical Home Workgroup. Iowa’s major health systems, community health centers, large physician groups and independent practices are represented. This provider group is working together to share best practice and lessons learned in deploying the nationally recognized PCMH model. The workgroup also works to align other healthcare stakeholders, including Wellmark, Iowa Medicaid Enterprises, and the State Medical Home System Advisory Council, as interest in the PCMH continues to grow.
To equip practices in becoming a PCMH, the workgroup developed a Medical Home Learning Community (MHLC) which in 2009 brough practices together to focus on practice transformation and to explore the standards for NCQA recognition of medical home status. Curriculum development for the 2010 MHLC is currently underway.
Medical Home System Advisory Council
In 2008, the Iowa Legislature passed House File 2539, a state health care reform bill that began the process of establishing medical homes in Iowa. The bill also formed the Medical Home Systems Advisory Council (MHSAC) work group that has been meeting over the past year and a half with various provider groups and medical professionals to gather ideas and plan a statewide medical home system.
IHC President and CEO, Dr. Tom Evans, serves as the chair of the MHSAC.
Details of IHC’s 2010 Medical Home Learning Community will be rolling out soon, so stay tuned!