The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an approach to providing comprehensive primary care to adults, youth and children. The PCMH will broaden access to primary care, while enhancing care coordination. Clinicians practicing in the highest level medical home will:
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Take personal responsibility and accountability for the ongoing care of patients;
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Be accessible to their patients on short notice for expanded hours and open scheduling;
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Be able to conduct consultations through e-mail and telephone;
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Utilize the latest health information technology and evidence-based medical approaches, as well as maintain updated electronic personal health records;
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Conduct regular check-ups with patients to identify looming health crises, and initiate treatment/prevention measures before costly, last-minute emergency procedures are required;
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Advise patients on preventative care based on environmental and genetic risk factors they face;
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Help patients make healthy lifestyle decisions; and
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Coordinate care, when needed, making sure procedures are relevant, necessary and performed efficiently.
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