Medical homes

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

  • This strategy can help improve access to health services. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
  • Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Program overview

  • Primary care providers and their teams coordinate care across the health care system, working with patients to address all of their health care needs
  • Provide patients with referrals and connections to other qualified healthcare providers as needed
  • Offer enhanced access, including expanded hours and easy communication options for patients

Evidence and impacts

Proven

Ranked as having the highest level of evidence in the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps "What Works for Health" clearinghouse

  • Improved quality of preventative care through continuity of care
  • Produce large savings with respect to medical inpatient care across hospital systems
  • Reduced emergency room visits and hospital utilization.
  • Reducing socio-economic disparities in preventive care screenings
  • Increased patient satisfaction and patient engagement

Best practices in implementation

  • Note: This content is under review
  • Patient care coordination should be at the center of medical home operations. Patient care should be coordinated across medical, social, developmental, behavioral, educational and financial needs in order to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes for individuals.
  • Programmatic success rests on adequate training across hospital systems. Medical professionals should be provided comprehensive training to perform activities related to care coordination and relationship building in order to achieve wellness outcomes.
  • Programs should be family and patient centered and address the direct needs of the patients and their families. Patient centered medical homes see high rates of effectiveness across evaluations.
  • Partnerships with primary care centers and hospital systems are crucial in order to set up and staff medical homes.

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