The Patient Centered Medical Home

Friday, March 7, 2008
8:30 - 10:00 AM (coffee & networking at 8 AM)
Davenport University LETTINGA CAMPUS – Meeting Room
6191 Kraft Ave SE - Grand Rapids MI 49512
(Call 616-248-3820 for a map to be faxed or emailed)

In an environment where health costs are growing faster than employee wages and inflation, the U.S. health care system is ill-prepared to meet current and emerging health needs of the population.  A major reason for escalating costs is the growing prevalence of chronic conditions, which now impact all age ranges in our country, including children to the elderly.  As employers see profits, that could enhance corporate competitiveness, going instead to health care costs, it highlights the overall ineffectiveness of our nation’s health care system. 

One concept that has the potential to reduce overall costs and produce healthier citizens is the “Patient Centered Medical Home.”   This model uses primary care practices as the basis for accessible, continuous, comprehensive and integrated care.   But, will challenges to the implementation of this promising model derail it before it can be fully embraced?

Our next First Friday Forum will highlight some of the problems with the current system, look at possible solutions and discuss the “Patient Centered Medical Home.”

Moderator & Speaker
Rose Ramirez, MD, President, Physicians’ Organization of Western Michigan

Speaker
David Blair, MD, President, Advantage Health

 Panelists
James Byrne, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Priority Health
Tricia Gervais, Benefits Specialist, Cascade Engineering
Thomas Simmer, MD, Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

RSVP by noon March 6, 2008
Email:  alliancenotices@afh.org

This forum will be videotaped and broadcast on Grand Rapids area cable station24/ 917, Livewire, at 7:00 PM, Friday, March 28, 2008.