As demands on primary health care practitioners intensify, Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) is providing funds to help educate Missouri physician practices on how to transform their operations into “medical homes.” A medical home is a coordinated relationship between a patient and doctor who work together to navigate the health care system and monitor all aspects of the patient’s care, which ensures better health for the patient.
MFH contributed $560,000 to fund intensive training for the 80 practices, which are located across most of the state. The training will take place in St. Louis and Columbia, beginning in December 2011.
The participating practices include all of the state’s federally qualified health centers. Rural health centers, hospital-based clinics, private medical practices and community mental health centers also will participate.
“A medical home creates durable and meaningful relationships among patients, families, and their doctors’ care teams,” said Dr. James R. Kimmey, MFH president and chief executive officer. “The care is accessible, continuous and compassionate, and patients can become empowered and ultimately make healthier lifestyle decisions. The core elements of a medical home include better engaging the patient in managing his or her medical conditions, being proactive in making sure patients get needed care, suggesting appropriate and compassionate treatment options, answering questions about illnesses, and coordinating the care ordered by specialists.”
MFH contributed funding for the medical home project out of an ongoing commitment to ensure Missourians have the best tools available to be involved in their own care.
The Missouri Medicaid program (MO HealthNet), Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri, and United Healthcare will provide supplemental payments to the primary care practices to help support them in the medical home transition, which includes the use of electronic medical record technology.