Specialty care medical homes for people with severe, persistent mental disorders

Abstract

The patient-centered medical home concept is central to discussions about the reform of the health care delivery system. Most descriptions of the concept assume that a primary care practice would serve as the hub of the medical home. However, for people with severe and persistent mental disorders, specialty health care settings serve as the principal point of contact with the health care system. For them, a patient-centered medical home in a specialty setting would be the most expedient way to address their urgent health care needs. Among other issues, implementing this idea would mean reimbursement strategies to support the integration and coordination of primary care in specialty settings.