Back to Basics: The Perioperative Surgical Home

The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is designed to improve care for patients, decrease health care costs, and transform the way in which clinicians deliver primary care. The PCMH is a model for primary care delivery that encompasses comprehensive patient-centered care that is coordinated across all settings and provides accessible services and community support as needed with shorter wait times, enhanced hours, and around-the-clock telephone or electronic access for patient needs. In addition, providers use evidence-based practice and clinical decision support tools to provide the best possible care to patients. This article discusses how the model originated and provides a how-to guide and strategies for success in implementing this model of care.