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Study shows advantages of patient-centered medical homes

09.28.2012

A market research firm based out of Wilmington, Delaware, determined that individuals being treated at patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) in the state of New York had 10 percent less of a risk of visiting the hospital and needed 11 percent fewer services involving emergency medicine than patients treated at other facilities. This trend was also seen in pediatric patients, who were almost 25 less likely to need immediate care from emergency department physicians. These findings appeared in last month's issue of American Journal of Managed Care.

In addition, patients at PCMHs with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes were more likely to have undergone screenings.

"The population treated within PCMH practices had equal or better rates of care management, lower rates of high-cost diagnostic imaging procedures and lower rates of ED visits and hospitalizations," wrote the study authors. "This means providers using the PCMH model might have an opportunity to offer enhanced patient care even during early transformation."

The research took into account data from more than 30,000 residents of patient-centered medical homes and 30,000 individuals receiving care elsewhere.

New source has high expectations for PCMHs
Healthcare Finance news recently documented how PCMHs reduced hospital admissions and saved emergency department resources at test facilities in Colorado and New Hampshire. The news source's findings echo those of the New York study, noting that Colorado PCMHs slashed hospital admissions in the area by almost 20 percent and 15 percent fewer patients visited emergency departments.

A representative from the organization establishing the PCMH trial facilities stated that it hopes PCMH will  eventually bring about more savings in healthcare costs and coordination between medical professionals to maximize the quality of patient care.

Categories: Patient-Centered Medical Homes 

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