What does the term "patient-centered medical home" refer to?

The term "patient-centered medical home" refers to a model of care that emphasizes coordinated and accessible primary care. This model is designed to enhance the quality of care by ensuring that patients have a central point of contact for their healthcare needs, which is typically their primary care provider.

In a patient-centered medical home, care is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, promoting a holistic approach that considers not just medical care but also lifestyle and social determinants of health. Key components of this model include comprehensive care, enhanced access to care, patient engagement, and coordinated services, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction while potentially reducing healthcare costs.

The other options represent different concepts that do not align with the holistic and coordinated approach of a patient-centered medical home. For example, focusing on specialists only, strict protocols for hospital admissions, or acute medical care do not capture the essence of a comprehensive medical home model that prioritizes primary care and patient involvement in their health management.