Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Congress is working hard to reform America’s failing health care system. The latest plan includes having “patient-centered medical homes”. These homes would be operated by a general practitioner who would coordinate all the medical care for his or her patients. The family doctor would work with nurses, pharmacists, and specialists to keep the patient as healthy as possible.

The plan would make doctors’ visits easier to obtain and more comprehensive. Focus would not just be on the problem at hand but on preventing future issues from arising. It is estimated that switching to a medical homes system would save the US 5.6% or 67 billion dollars a year.

Under the new system, primary-care doctors would have much more time with their patients and would not be rushed. They would take time to counsel patients, help them with lifestyle changes, monitor chronic conditions, and give frequent check-ups. By switching to this, doctors would be able to see more patients a day and help many avoid heart attacks and diabetes amongst other diseases. Doctors would have several nurses who would update medical records, so the doctor can spend time with his or her patients. Investments in electronic medical-records systems would save time as well.

The current Medicare system rewards quantity over quality of health care as on a fee per service basis. It does not provide any reimbursement for doctors discussing management of a disease such as diabetes or consulting with another specialist about the best treatment for a case. The medical home encourages “cognitive work” that there is currently no compensation for under the current system. By relying on a team method approach, health care may be more efficient. Doctors don’t have to work as many hours, patients receive better care, and all of it is less money.

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While the government is working to reform the system, health care is still very expensive. If you need Texas health insurance to help cover your expenses, contact Option 1 Health Insurance today.