What is a Personal Medical Home?

Recognizing fundamental flaws in the fragmented US health care systems and the potential of an integrative, generalist approach, the leadership of seven national family medicine organizations initiated the Future of Family Medicine (FFM) project in 2002. The goal of the project was to develop a strategy to transform and renew the discipline of family medicine to meet the needs of patients in a changing health care environment.

The work of the FFM project was overseen by a committee comprised of representatives from the sponsoring organizations: the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, the American Board of Family Practice, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors, the North American Primary Care Research Group, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.

The resulting 2004 “Future of Family Medicine” report called for changes in the U.S. health care system, such as "taking steps to ensure that every American has a personal medical home." The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Board of Directors had adopted the following policy statement, which offers a succinct definition of "personal medical home:"

"The American Academy of Family Physicians believes that everyone should have a personal medical home that serves as the focal point through which all individuals -- regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status -- receive acute, chronic and preventive medical services. Through ongoing relationship with a family physician in their medical home, patients can be assured of care that is not only accessible but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated, patient-centered, safe, scientifically valid, and satisfying to both patients and their physicians."

The Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) has also embraced the personal medical home concept. “The model provides an easy-to-use point of entry into the health care system, coordinates ongoing, comprehensive medical care that is appropriate and consistent with the patient’s needs and values, and places the patient at the center of all choices concerning their care,” says CAFP President Larry Kipe, MD. “The personal medical home structure supports the patient establishing and maintaining long-term relationships within the medical team, while utilizing health information technology and other innovations to provide seamless and timely access to all essential care.”

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