Medical home model designed to improve preventive care, communication

The "medical home" model of care is emerging in Illinois and across the country. In its ideal form, a doctor oversees a team of nurses, physicians' assistants, and health coaches who ensure patients get needed care, support, and education. That frees the doctor to focus on compelling medical issues. Illinois' largest insurer is launching a pilot program featuring the medical home model, and last month Medicare announced a similar initiative. And health reform plans being debated by Congress contain changes designed to foster medical homes.