Researchers posit a conceptual model consisting of 10 building blocks they assert are the essential elements of high-performing primary care.

The building blocks include four foundational elements -

  • engaged leadership
  • data-driven improvement
  • empanelment
  • and team-based care

These assist the implementation of the other six building blocks -

  • patient-team partnership
  • population management
  • continuity of care
  • prompt access to care
  • comprehensiveness and care coordination
  • and a template of the future

The model is based on the authors' experiences studying exemplar primary care practices and assisting practices to become more patient-centered.

While the building blocks focus on design elements largely under the control of the practice organization, the authors note that external reforms are needed to support the building blocks - principally a reformed payment model. They hope the building blocks can help practices in their journey toward becoming high-performing patient-centered medical homes.

The 10 Building Blocks of High-Performing Primary Care

By Thomas Bodenheimer, MD, et al University of California, San Francisco