While standards vary slightly between accrediting organizations, the common attributes and goals are all in alignment with the core standards of PCMH below.
Patient-centered
Patients and/or family are:
- Included in decision-making to accommodate unique needs and preferences
- Encouraged to get involved in improving care quality throughout the organization
Comprehensive
PCMH uses a whole-person approach to delivering care. The PCP team:
- Is accountable for the patient's entire well-being, including physical, mental and emotional health
- Provides comprehensive care at all stages of life, offering preventive and behavioral health services, acute and chronic care, and end-of-life care
Coordinated
When appropriate, the PCP team coordinates care with other providers, i.e., safe transitions between hospitals, nursing homes and community health agencies.
Accessible
PCMHs are committed to:
- Increasing access to care
- Being available and accessible when patients need care
- Urgent care availability
- Alternative methods of communication
- 24/7 access to someone on the PCP team
Commitment to quality and safety
The PCMH model of care is committed to ongoing improvement in:
- Quality
- Patient safety
- Processes
- Health information technology
- Evidence-based medicine