Medical Home
What is a medical home?
- A medical home is a team-based approach to providing total health care.
Who makes up the medical home?
- Your personal health care team, led by your doctor or health care provider, and including nurses, pharmacists, specialists, or even people that can help you answer insurance questions. Your team changes as your health needs change.
- Trusted friends or family members (if you wish)
- Most importantly, YOU.
You and your team work together to coordinate the services you need, so that you can receive the best health care possible.
What makes the medical home unique?
- All of your team works together. They are on the same page regarding your care.
- Your team can help you find specialists or other team members if you need them.
- Your personal doctor will help keep your team informed.
- Medical homes may use electronic health records to help coordinate your care.
- Your care is tailored to your health and family history.
Learn more about the medical home here: Medical Home Brochure
Or click here to watch a video on the medical home: http://pcpcc.net/content/emmi
Remember:
- Everyone’s health needs are different.
- Your health and your time are valuable.
- Get involved! Take an active role in your health care.
Get Involved! Use this handy checklist: Patient Education Checklist
Or Follow these simple steps:
GET READY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Make a list of your health questions. Ask a friend or relative for help if you need it. Put the questions that are most important to you at the top of the list.
- Find examples of questions you may want to ask. Follow this link: http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/questionbuilder.aspx
- Make a list of other health care providers you have visited. Write down their names, addresses, phone numbers, and the reasons why you visited them.
- Bring a list of all your current medications and their doses. If possible, bring the medications in their original containers. Do not forget to include vitamins and supplements.
- Take your insurance card or other insurance information with you to your appointment.
- If you wish, ask a family member or trusted friend to go to your appointment with you.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Write down the names of your health care providers and medical home team members.
- If you received care from another doctor or at another facility, let your doctor know. Tell your team about other health care professionals who care for you.
- Use your list of questions. Ask your most important questions first. Even if you cannot get all of your answers on the first visit, having a list will help you keep track of the answers.
- Don’t be hesitant to ask your doctor about your diagnosis, medications, recommended surgeries or alternative treatment options.
- If you do not understand the doctor’s explanation, ask more questions.
- Talk to your doctor about your medicines. Are they helping you? Are you having any problems with the medicines?
- Use your own words to repeat back the things you’ve discussed with your team. This way, both you and your team will know the information is clear.
- Have a clear plan of action for what the next steps are once you leave the appointment.
- Ask your team about how to reach them after hours.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Follow the health care plan you and your team have worked out.
- Track any successes or problems you have following your care plan.
- Continue to communicate with your team
- If you are having trouble sticking with your care plan, tell your team about it.
- If you feel your care plan is not working, speak up. Tell your team what is not working so together you can make changes if needed.
- Tell your team how you feel about the care you are getting from them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
For the source of this information, visit http://pcpcc.net/content/merck-patient-education-brochure-and-checklist
