Keeping the flame burning throughout the PCMH Recognition process can be a daunting task. This post shares some favorite tips from my work with practices on their Patient-Centered Medical Home journey.

Have you ever felt powerless in your healthcare experience? Sitting in a light blue, open-backed robe in a doctor’s office may seem like the most empowering spot to be, however, you do have an important role to play in your personal healthcare. This is the issue at heart: to learn how to treat your healthcare like a CEO treats a business: with a vision, measured results, and with a passion to see a healthy return on investment. Americans spend a lot of money on healthcare each year. They also spend a lot of time: scheduling appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, time away from work, etc. Health “consumers” need keys to more effectively utilize the health care system.

Lots of practices are either currently involved in or thinking about earning recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). It's not necessarily an easy process to go through, but yet according to the National Committee on Quality Assurance, they're receiving many new applications each month. It definitely takes some courage to embark on this process. The application can be time-consuming and lengthy, with some practices taking over a year to produce reports, fill out the application, provide supporting documentation and finally submitting the application. Learn why practices are going through this process without even the promise of increased reimbursement. It has to do with both the celebrated and hidden benefits.

Studies show that when patients adhere to medication management plans, it saves the system money and helps patients meet therapy goals. This article provides insight on how primary care practices can work with their patients to improve medication management.

Have you heard the term Patient-Centered Care or Medical Home recently? It's the latest buzz in health care circles, but the important question is what does it really mean? This article answers that question and more...