We couldn’t be more excited about becoming a Medical Home that is certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The Medical Home is best described as a model or philosophy of pediatric care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety. It has become a widely accepted model for how pediatric care should be organized and delivered throughout the health care system, from the most simple to the most complex conditions. It is a place where patients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and enable strong and trusting relationships with providers and staff. Above all, the medical home is not a final destination instead, it is a model for achieving primary care excellence so that care is received in the right place, at the right time, and in the manner that best suits a patient’s needs. We are passionate about our patients and their families and want to give the highest care possible. That is why we have chosen this path to become one of Virginia first accredited pediatric medical homes. Read Why Medical Home Works.
What is a Medical Home?
A medical home is a way to provide high quality health care services that best meet the needs of your child and your family. It is not a building, house or hospital. It is a partnership between you and your family and your primary care doctor, nurse and staff. Together, we make sure that the healthcare needs of your child are met.
Your Medical Team:
- Shares information with you and includes your decisions as partners in care
- Provides primary health care including regular check-ups, preventative services and illness visits
- Works to catch problems early – which can prevent emergency room visits
- Helps you plan for and manage any chronic health problems
- Coordinates care with specialists and/or other organizations when needed
- Helps connect you to resources in the community
- Helps lower family stress, health care costs, and missed school and work days
Your Role in the Medical Home:
As partners in care, it is important that you keep your medical home informed of any factors that may influence your child’s health, such as:
- Appointments with other providers, such as specialists, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, etc.
- Updates to medications or allergies
- Recent tests/results
- Any changes to overall health status or medical history
Brochure about the Medical Home: For Our Patients
Features of the Medical Home:
Adapted from the AHRQ definition, the PCPCC describes the medical home as an approach to the delivery of primary care that is:
Principles of the Medical Home have been developed and well thought-out with the patient the center of care.
Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
- Patient-centered: A partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families ensures that decisions respect patients’ wants, needs, and preferences, and that patients have the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care.
- Comprehensive: A team of care providers is wholly accountable for a patients physical and mental health care needs, including prevention and wellness, acute care, and chronic care.
- Coordinated: Care is organized across all elements of the broader health care system, including specialty care, hospitals, home health care, community services and supports.
- Accessible: Patients are able to access services with shorter waiting times, “after hours” care, 24/7 electronic or telephone access, and strong communication through health IT innovations.
- Commited to quality and safety: Clinicians and staff enhance qualtiy improvement to ensure that patients and families make informed decisions about their health.
Research and Evidence
- Peer Reviewed Resources
- PCPCC Primary Care Innovations Map
- The Medical Home’s Impact on Cost and Quality
Important for the Patient:
- If you need to speak with a member of your child’s medical team call the office during office hours. For urgent medical questions after regular office hours call the office number to speak with the appropriate clinician. As always, for true emergencies, call 911.
- Our office hours and specific location phone numbers are listed on our website: www.pahpartners.com
- The website also has links to reliable websites for accurate information, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and links for specific community resources.
- Learn more about the Medical Home – what to expect and how to make the most of it – by visiting www.MedicalHomeInfo.org
Health Brochures in Non-English Languages:
http://www.bridginghealthcaregaps.com/member/p5-8.htm
Videos about Medical Home can be found on Youtube in English and Spanish:
