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State Says 500 Sites Deliver New Health Care Model
By: Associated Press
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State officials say Ohio has more than 500 medical practices delivering a teamwork-based model of health care.
The approach is known in the industry as patient-centered medical homes.
The Ohio Department of Health says there were 513 medical homes in the state as of last month. That's up from 157 sites in June 2012 and 293 in June 2013.
Under the model, general-medicine doctors, physician assistants and nurses closely follow patients to try to keep them from developing complications that require hospital treatment. The providers also coordinate to avoid duplicative tests or unnecessary emergency room visits.
Care is managed using patient databases and other technology to provide patients with help when and where it's needed.
Officials say the model helps reduce the overall cost of care through prevention and wellness.