Will health care reform provide new options for rural communities and providers?

Patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) are a model of primary care that aims to improve the quality of care while reducing costs. The PCMH model focuses on improving access to care, coordinating care across different providers and specialties, and placing the patient at the center of the care team. PCMHs have been successful in improving patient outcomes and reducing costs in urban areas, but their effectiveness in rural communities is less clear.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) included provisions to encourage the adoption of the PCMH model, and many health care providers have implemented PCMHs in response to these incentives. However, the rural nature of many communities poses unique challenges to the implementation of PCMHs. Rural areas often have a shortage of primary care providers and limited resources for health care infrastructure. These challenges can make it difficult to implement the coordinated care and patient-centered approach that are the hallmarks of the PCMH model.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about the potential for PCMHs to improve care in rural communities. For example, the use of telehealth technologies can help overcome barriers to access to care and allow for more effective coordination of care across providers and specialties. Additionally, the emphasis on prevention and wellness in the PCMH model can help reduce the burden of chronic disease in rural communities, which often have higher rates of chronic disease than urban areas.

In conclusion, while the implementation of PCMHs in rural communities presents unique challenges, the potential benefits of this model of care make it an important option for improving access to care and patient outcomes in rural areas. Health care providers, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to overcome the challenges facing rural communities and ensure that all patients have access to high-quality, coordinated, and patient-centered care.