What is a Healthcare Home?

A Healthcare Home is an alternative approach to the delivery of health care services that promises better patient experience and better results than traditional care. We believe that helping people lead healthier lives can greatly reduce the negative impacts of living with long-term mental illness, substance use and chronic medical conditions. Services are coordinated in a way that recognizes the client as an individual ~ not just a patient.

Clients eligible for a Healthcare Home must meet one of the following three conditions:

1. A serious and persistent mental illness / CPR eligible adults and kids with SED
2. A mental health condition and substance use disorder and/or
3. A mental health condition and/or substance use disorder and one other chronic health condition

OR one of these chronic health conditions:

1. Diabetes
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) / Asthma / Chronic Bronchitis / Emphysema
4. Overweight (BMI > 25)
5. Tobacco Use
6. Developmental Disability

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expect healthcare homes to:
- Lower rates of emergency room use
- Reduce in-hospital admissions and re-admissions
- Reduce healthcare costs
- Decrease reliance on long-term care facilities
- Improve experience of care, quality of life and consumer satisfaction

PFH is in the start-up phase of Healthcare Homes with full implementation beginning on January 1, 2012. The program is fully staffed with a Healthcare Homes Director, one RN Nurse Care Manager, two LPN Nurse Care Managers, a Primary Care Physician to provide consultation and clerical support staff.

A Nurse Care Manager is available to help you identify and achieve your healthcare and wellness goals; provide you with access to health education opportunities addressing nutrition, physical activity and smoking cessation; provide comprehensive transitional care including follow-up from inpatient and other settings; help you access a family doctor and other medical care providers; and assist you in finding community resources and support.