Establishing a Patient-Centered Medical Home
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that a majority of seniors are dissatisfied with the level medical care they are receiving.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that a majority of seniors are dissatisfied with the level medical care they are receiving. Individuals with chronic illness or disabilities were the most disgruntled. The U.S. study noted that seniors are more likely to require medical care from several different providers and may need to seek out that care in multiple settings. Beyond this inconvenience is the danger of having multiple prescriptions being administered by several doctors that are not in communication with one another. Overworked doctors are also finding that they have less and less time to spend with their patients. The average physician’s visit lasts a short 23 minutes, while waiting room times may exceed the one hour mark.
The American Academy of Family Physicians believes that the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is the single best answer to all of these serious issues. The goals of a Patient Centered Medical Home are to provide patients with better access to health care thereby increasing satisfaction and improving the overall health of the patients. In order to make those goals a reality a prestigious group of over 330,000 physicians came up with the following principles of PCHM:
Personal physician leads the patient care – every patient will have regular communication with a single primary care physician. That personal physician will always act as the first point of contact for comprehensive care.
Physician directed medical practice – the personal physician leads a team of individuals at the practice level who collectively take responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.
Whole person approach – the personal physician will take care of the patient’s immediate health needs or coordinate and be responsible for bringing in a specialist to work with the individual.
Coordinate and cohesive medical care – using all available means of communication, including medical registries, information technology, and other advances, all aspects of patient care will be referenced and managed. A well maintained and open line of communication will exist between the primary care physician, specialists, hospitals, nursing homes, etc as well as with the patient and his/her family.
That being said, it is important to note that the patient also has responsibilities under the PCMH model. Following physician recommendations, keeping appointments, and asking questions is part of a successful Patient Centered Medical Home. To help you take charge of your own health Duke University has compiled a list of recommended screenings that all seniors should adhere to. Go over the following list with your physician and get started on making your own Patient Centered Medical Home.
Recommended Medical Services and Screenings
All Adults
- Blood pressure and weight: every one to two years
- Physical exam: based on risk factors
- Cholesterol count: every five years, beginning at age 35
- Tetanus shot: every 10 years
- Counseling: smoking, exercise, diet, and other health risks
Adults 50 years and older
- Colon cancer screening:
- yearly sigmoidoscopy, or
- colonoscopy every five years
- Flu shot: yearly
- Pneumoccocal vaccine: once at age 65 or older
Women
- Pap smear: every one to three years based on risk
- Mammograms:
- yearly after the age of 50
- Osteoporosis counseling:
- Periodical discussions and examination
- DEXA scans begin at age 65 unless family history warrants otherwise
Men’s Health
- Prostate health counseling: yearly after age 50
- Abdominal ultrasound for men ages 65-75 with present or past history of smoking
