The patient centered medical home (PCMH) model has been considered a hallmark for high quality health care. Although the concept of coordinated care is fundamental to the principle of the PCMH, and although primary care teams are increasingly integrating patient- and family-centered approaches into their practice workflow for diabetes support,1 primary care physicians still need to develop a better understanding of how to coordinate population-based management of diabetes while maintaining a patient–centered approa
The science of diabetes care continues to evolve every year. Ultimately, however, that science will have no impact on health until it is translated into practice. The vast majority of diabetes care occurs in the primary care setting, particularly for the prevention and care of type 2 diabetes. Translation of diabetes care concepts and science begins in professional schools, but must continue beyond graduation into residency programs and continuing education of practicing providers.
In considering the subject matter for my next blog, my mind wandered a bit and settled on a patient with type 2 diabetes I had seen last week. While riding her bicycle, she had suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented and side swiped a parked car. She was lucky–as a result of the fall she had some serious abrasions and a few stitches, but no broken bones. Her husband, who was riding beside, immediately noted her confusion, realized she was hypoglycemic, and gave her juice and crackers he had in his knapsack.