Patient Centered Medical Home Model Implementation Considerations

Adopting a nationally recognized patient centered medical home (PCMH) requires an investment of time and resources. Challenges related to the implementation of a PCMH model may include:

• Shifting the culture of the practice from physician-centered care to team-based care
• Developing customized information systems, which may be costly and labor intensive
• Change fatigue, which can result in staff turnover
• Administrative burden

Strategies that have helped practices to successfully transition to the PCMH model include:

• Setting aside time for planning and reflection
• Improving communication procedures within the practice
• Cultivating meaningful relationships between physicians and other clinical staff
• Implementing a systematic change management process to guide the transition
• Developing a HIT implementation plan
• Working with software vendors to customize and improve HIT tools

Healthcare practices interested in becoming PCMHs may be able to work with private insurers to seek reimbursement for PCMH activities.

Resources to Learn More

Summary of the National Demonstration Project and Recommendations for the Patient-Centered Medical Home
Document
Presents findings from the PCMH National Demonstration Project, recommendations for PCMH implementation, and recommendations for policymakers.
Citation: Annals of Family Medicine
Author(s): Crabtree, B., Nutting, P., Miller, W., Stange, K., Stewart, E., & Roberto, C.
Date: 2010

Using Implementation Research to Guide Adaptation, Implementation, and Dissemination of Patient-Centered Medical Home Models
Document
A written brief that provides information to guide the evaluation, refinement, and implementation of PCMH models.
Organization(s): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Date: 2/2013