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Idaho Primary Care Association Medical Home Initiative

July 2009

The patient-centered medical home is a model of primary care in which patients receive well-coordinated services and enhanced access to a clinical team. Clinicians use decision support tools, measure their performance, and conduct quality improvement activities to meet patients’ needs. The concept of a patient centered medical home shows promise in shifting resources to primary and preventive care, improving health outcomes for patients, and reducing overall costs of patient care.

The Idaho Primary Care Association was one of five centers selected to participate in a Medical Home Initiative launched by the Commonwealth Fund, Qualis Health, and MacColl Institute for Healthcare Innovation. Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health has provided funding for the initiative. Dr. Doug Dammrose, Blue Cross of Idaho Chief Medical Officer, will also serve on the Medical Home Initiative Stakeholder Advisory Group.

This four-year initiative in Idaho will study the impact of implementing a medical home model in 13 safety net clinics that serve patients with limited resources and significant health concerns. The pilot program hopes to demonstrate improvements in patient care and outcomes. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is looking forward to collaborating with the Idaho Primary Care Association and supporting the medical home initiative.