Which statement about PCMH best describes its key attribute?

• A. It relies on episodic, specialist-driven care only.
• B. It is a hospital-centric care model.
• C. It disregards patient engagement.
• D. It emphasizes team-based, accessible, patient-centered primary care led by a coordinated care team.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that PCMH is a primary care model built around patient-centered, proactive, and coordinated care delivered through a team. It emphasizes ongoing, accessible primary care led by a coordinated care team—including physicians, nurses, care managers, and others—who work together to manage a patient’s care across settings. This approach focuses on engaging patients in decisions, preventing problems before they arise, and ensuring smooth transitions when specialists are involved. It is not about episodic, specialist-driven care or hospital-centric systems, and it does not ignore patient involvement. That combination—team-based, accessible, patient-centered primary care led by a coordinated care team—best describes PCMH.