Patients & Families

A Patient-Centered Primary Care Home is a health care clinic that has been recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care. In a Patient-Centered Primary Care Home, you're the most important part of your care.

Your primary care home will . . .

Better coordinate your care to help get you the services you need, when you need them
Listen to your concerns and answer your questions
Offer after-hours help and alternatives to the emergency room
Help you play an active role in your health

What does this look like for me?

Your primary care provider will work with you to improve care coordination that results in higher quality care to you and your family. If you have a special health concern or condition, you will be connected with other health professionals to help you get the care you need. For example, your primary care provider can connect you with a pharmacist, mental health specialist, or a nutritionist, etc. — whatever your health needs call for. Below are some other benefits:

Your primary care provider can answer questions and help you better understand your health needs.
If you need to get help from other doctors or health care providers in the community, your primary care provider can support you every step of the way.
When you have concerns about your health, your health care team will work with you to decide the best way to deal with them.

Your health care team

When you and your primary care provider work with other health professionals to coordinate your care – like nurses, specialists, and pharmacists – this is called your “health care team.” The members of your team work together to make sure they’re all on the same page when it comes to your health. This helps eliminate repetitive procedures and improves your care.

Am I getting care at a recognized clinic?

Over 600 clinics in Oregon have been recognized as a primary care home, so chances are you are already getting care at

a recognized clinic. Click here to find a list of recognized Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes in your area.

As a patient, what can I do to make sure I'm getting the best possible care?

Becoming engaged in your health care is the best way to make sure your primary care provider and health team provides the best care possible. They want you to speak up!

Tell them what health issues you want to focus on first — tell them what's important to you.
Use your own words to repeat back the things you've discussed. This way, both you and your team will know the information is clear.
Ask your team how to reach them after hours.
Before you leave, be sure you know when your next appointment is and the things you need to work on.

The Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program

The Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program recognizes clinics as primary care homes and makes sure they meet the standards of care. The program is part of the Oregon Health Authority and one of the many efforts to help improve the health of all Oregonians and the care they receive.

Standards for Care

Accessible: Care is available when patients need it.
Accountable: Clinics take responsibility for their community and provide quality care.
Comprehensive: Patients get the care, information and services they need to stay healthy.
Continuous: Providers know their patients and work with them to improve their health over time.
Coordinated: Clinics help patients navigate the health care system to get the care they need in a safe and timely way.
Patient & Family Centered: Patients and families are the most important part of health care. Care should draw on a patient’s strengths to set goals, and communication should be culturally competent and understandable for all.
Equitable: Patients have the same access to care and the means to achieve health regardless of diverse backgrounds or circumstances. Equity is the foundation of a patient-centered primary care home.