Chronically ill patients who are cared for in a patient-centered medical home model visit the emergency department less frequently, according to a study authored by Independence Blue Cross and CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services.
Researchers used claims data from about 460,000 Independence beneficiaries at 280 primary care offices. They found a 5 to 8 percent reduction in ED visits, specifically for patients with chronic illnesses who made one or more ED visits in a year. The reductions were most evident among diabetic patients, who saw a 9.5 to 12 percent reduction in ED visits.
The researchers tie this reduction in ED use to improved, more coordinated care provided by PCMHs that allows for better chronic disease management.
"Medical homes are particularly beneficial to…high-risk or chronically ill population[s] because of the added resources they receive, such as care managers and dieticians that provide regular outreach…about test reminders, preventive care and other information and support," said Somesh Nigam, Independence's senior vice president and chief informatics officer. "Care is also more coordinated and problems are addressed quickly so they don't become worse and result in an emergency room visit or complication."