Clinical community health workers: linchpin of the medical home

The emerging clinical community health worker model integrates community health workers as integral members of primary care teams inside a medical home. This evaluation documents the case management services provided by 2 clinical community health worker programs at La Clínica del Cariño in Hood River, Oregon, and how they affected the care team's ability to deliver efficient, effective primary care. Clinical community health workers have the potential to make a significant impact on clinical efficiency and effectiveness as ambulatory primary care clinics strive to transform into high-quality, patient-centered medical homes and become linchpins in accountable care organizations.