About Colorado Medical Home Initiative (CMHI)
The Colorado Medical Home Initiative began in 2001 in response to the Title V / Maternal and Child Health (MCH) national outcome measure, all children will receive comprehensive coordinated care within a Medical Home. The Colorado Initiative is a systems-building effort to promote quality health care for all children in Colorado. Bringing together a group of more than 40 people representing various agencies, families, hospitals, organizations and policy-makers, the Colorado Medical Home Initiative is dedicated to building a sustainable system that delivers quality health care for all children. Positioned within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as the lead agency, the Colorado Medical Home Initiative is a neutral facilitator in identifying barriers while promoting solutions in developing a quality-based system of health care for children.
A Medical Home:
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is a concept of quality health care. |
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is a team approach to coordinating health care services. |
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promotes a partnership between families and providers. |
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encompasses medical, mental and oral health care. |
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is accomplished when families feel included and valued, and when care and treatment options are mutually discussed and collaboratively decided. |
Where did the term "Medical Home "come from?
This term, and more importantly the concept of a Medical Home, originated through the collaboration and work of many professionals and family advocates on a national level, specifically the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The Medical Home concept is recognized and endorsed by many governmental and professional organizations, including but not limited to
State of Colorado, by legislative statute - SB 07-130 passed May 2007
The Colorado Medical Home Initiative
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
American Academy of Pediatrics - National and State level
American Academy of Family Physicians - National and State Level
Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
Kaiser Permanente;
The Children’s Hospital;
Family advocacy organizations.
Behavioral and Mental Health Organizations
Legislation: Colorado Senate Bill-130, Concerning Medical Homes for Children
Senate Bill-130, signed by Governor Ritter in 2007, designates the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to take the lead in assuring an increase in number Medical Homes for children eligible for Medicaid and CHP+ in Colorado. The Department is responsible to collaborate with the Colorado Medical Home Initiative to implement the requirements of the bill.
Components of the Colorado Medical Home Team:
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Accessible - Families know whom to call, insurance plans accepted, community based, and there is physical accessibility to needed services |
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Family-Centered - The family is recognized as the principal caregiver and center of strength, knowledge and support for the child. The family voice is valued. |
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Continuous - The same health care professionals are available from infancy through adolescence, and transition to the adult health care system is successful. |
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Comprehensive - The child’s and family's medical, educational, developmental, psychological and other service needs are identified and addressed. |
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Coordinated - A plan of care is developed by the health care provider, child and
family and is shared with other involved providers, agencies and organizations. |
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Compassionate - Efforts are made to understand and empathize with the feelings and perspectives of both the child and family. Families are comfortable, satisfied participants. |
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Culturally Responsive - The child’s and family's cultural background (including beliefs, rituals and customs) are recognized, respected and incorporated into care planning. |
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