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Medical Homes

What is a Medical Home?

A patient-centered medical home integrates patients as active participants in their own health and well-being. Patients are cared for by a physician who leads the medical team that coordinates all aspects of preventive, acute and chronic needs of patients using the best available evidence and appropriate technology. These relationships offer patients comfort, convenience, and optimal health throughout their lifetimes. (American Academy of Family Physicians, May Board 2008)

Medical Homes Pilot Projects

Washington State health agencies lead two Medical Homes pilot projects that are closely coordinated:

• The Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), in conjunction with the Puget Sound Health Alliance (PSHA) leads the Patient Centered Medical Home Multipayer Reimbursement Model; a project to develop, implement and evaluate a pilot of one or more medical home provider reimbursement models, pursuant to ESSB 5491 of 2009. It is anticipated to become operational in fall of 2011.
• The Department of Health (DoH) leads the Patient Centered Medical Homes Collaborative; a project in conjunction with the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and Washington Academy of Family Practice (WAFP) to expand patient-centered medical homes to improve quality, access and affordability. This project, pursuant to ESSHB 2549 of 2008, became operational in fall of 2009 and includes 32 participating primary care providers.

While the two projects differ in focus, they are closely linked. Several performance measures are similar, and it is anticipated that at least some of The Collaborative's participating providers will be included in the Multi-payer Reimbursement Pilot.

Participation Information

• Washington State Multi-Payer Medical Home Reimbursement Pilot Invitation to apply (1.9 MB)
• Multi-Payer Medical Home Reimbursement Pilot (634.2 KB)