Chronically ill patients who receive care from a patient-centered medical home experienced fewer emergency visits, according to a study that analyzed claims data by Independence Blue Cross and CTI Clinical and Consulting Services.
Using claims data from approximately 460,000 Independence beneficiaries enrolled in 280 primary care practices, the study found that the transition to a medical home was associated with a statistically significant 5 to 8 percent reduction in emergency department visits. The reductions were most evident among patients with diabetes, who experienced a 9.5 to 12 percent reduction, the study said.
“One interesting finding is that reductions in ED admissions are not coming necessarily from the fact that medical homes are open for longer hours or are more accessible to patients, but from better management of chronic conditions,” Guy David, the study’s lead author, said in a statement. David is also a health management professor at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Lessening the ER visits obviously lowers the cost. Independence said the “team-oriented approach to primary care is a key part of that.
