Question

Compare and contrast these two healthcare delivery system models: the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and the accountable care organization (ACO). What does each of these models do to improve population health? Evaluate the challenges that each model faces.

Answer 1

PCMH (Patient centred medical home)

It is a healthcare model based on the team of health personnel regulated by a healthcare provider.

It provide comprehensive and regular medical care of patient with a goal to achieve maximum health outcomes.

PCMH provides primary health care to every people of society like child, adult, old.

Patient Centred Medical Home model brings clinical benefits to patient as well as financial benefits for payers.

Accountable care organization (ACO)

These are the group of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers who come together voluntarily to give coordinated high quality care to their patients.

The main goal of this coordinated care ensure specially to the chronically ill patient and give the right care at right time, and preventing medical errors.

ACOs don't away with fee for service but they creat an incentive to be more efficient by offering bonuses when providers keep cost down.

What to do to Improve population health by PCMH and ACO-

These organizations should identify the need of health care of people and provide the services.

These should recognize the economic status of patients and give low cost health services.

Use appropriate technology to early determination of any sever health problem.

Challenges that each model faces-

Payer participation.

Providers may not be receiving compensation from patients who are benefiting from accountable care services, but not enrolled in the program, called the "spillover effect. While this is good for the patients, it may weaken the financial stability of the contracts, according to the report. The best strategy for hospitals, according to Leavitt Partners, is to move as much of their business as possible into value-based arrangements.

Physician alignment

The attribution model puts a stronger emphasis and higher demand on primary care physicians. Hospitals should also reconsider their arrangements with physicians. Acquiring practices can be expensive, so many hospitals are choosing to recruit physician group partners.