American Medical Association Adopts New Principles For Patient-Centered Medical Home

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 11 Nov 2008 - 3:00 PST

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Today, the American Medical Association (AMA) voted to adopt the "Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home," joining the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association in endorsing the principles.

The principles include guidelines for the coordination of care to improve the patient-physician relationship, quality and safety, access to care, and the payment model for coordinated services. The AMA made a commitment to continue to study the patient-centered medical home with particular emphasis on funding sources and payment structures.

"A patient-centered medical home can improve the ability of physicians and other health care workers to provide the best care to patients by better coordinating care," said AMA Board Member Samantha Rosman, M.D. "The AMA will continue to study the medical home concept with a focus on funding sources and payment structures, as adequate compensation is vital to make coordination of care a viable solution."

American Medical Association