PCPCH program changing how practices care for their patients
 In 2011 primary care practices throughout Oregon began applying for PCPCH recognition under the very first set of standards that made up the PCPCH model. As the model has grown and evolved over time, it has remained at its core a quality improvement framework that helps guide clinics towards providing the best care for their patients. Fifteen years later, practices are still reporting that the PCPCH model is making an impact! Of the 437 clinics that applied for PCPCH recognition in 2025:
- 85% said the program helped them improve patient access to care
- 92% said it helped them improve care coordination
- 88% said it helped them improve patient- and family-centeredness in care
- 90% said it helped them improve equity in access and services
- 95% said it helped them improve population health management
Many also reported implementing new primary care services or processes just in the last two years which are encouraged and incentivized within the most recent versions of PCPCH model. You can read more about the program's impact in this area on pages 8-10 of the PCPCH Program 2024-25 Impact Report.
The Oregon Health Policy Board develops recommendations that help to shape operations and policy across various Oregon Health Authority departments. It is committed to a sustainable and fully-supported primary care system where every person has access to whole person care that fosters well-being, strengthens communities, uplifts care teams, advances equity, and keeps health care affordable. The Board recently launched the Primary Care Strategy Committee (PCSC) to support this vision.
The PCSC will lead a coordinated effort to stabilize, strengthen, and align Oregon's primary care system with the goal of strengthening access to equitable, affordable, high-quality patient care. The Committee will promote innovative solutions for a strong primary care system focusing on payment and affordability, workforce, and the delivery system.
The committee had its first meeting in April and will meet monthly. All meetings are virtual and open to public. Primary care providers, staff, patients, and other partners are encouraged to share feedback on the topics discussed! The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16 from 12-2pm. You can find the meeting participation details and more information on the PCSC webpage.
 PCPCH Measure 1.G.1 recognizes primary care practices that leverage telehealth to extend access to care to patients that may be facing barriers making it to a traditional office visit such as transportation, childcare, mobility, or time constraints. Many PCPCHs have been offering this service and reporting positive experiences to our staff.
As an example of one of the many ways this technology can help to improve access to care, a study funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has been examining whether telehealth can be an effective approach to improving access to prenatal care for pregnant women with opioid use disorder, particularly in rural areas. These patients typically face increased health risks during pregnancy and their babies may experience serious complications after birth.
Health professionals and supportive staff have been experiencing promising results, such as being able to access women who had long been out of reach. According to one peer support specialist, the model has allowed her team to “really bring (the education services) to the patients where they needed it, and meet them where they were.” Often, that meant connecting with women living two or three hours from the nearest in-person treatment. Click here to read more about the Path Home Trial and preliminary findings.
Questions?
We are here to help! Contact us at PCPCH@oha.oregon.gov
About the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program
Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes (PCPCHs) are health care practices that have been recognized by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for their commitment to providing high quality, patient-centered care. The PCPCH Program administers the application, recognition, and verification process for practices applying to become Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes. The program is also working with partners across Oregon to support adoption of the primary care home model. For more information visit www.PrimaryCareHome.oregon.gov.
The mission of the PCPCH Program is to be a trusted partner in primary care, collaborating with community members to set the standard for transformative, whole-person, and evidence-based care.
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