Medical Home Principles

The American Academy of Pediatrics introduced the medical home concept in 1967, initially referring to a central location for archiving the medical records of a child. In its 2002 policy statement, the AAP expanded the medical home concept to include operational characteristics.

• Accessible
• Continuous
• Comprehensive
• Family-centered
• Coordinated
• Compassionate
• Culturally sensitive care

In February 2007, the AAP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Physicians used this concept to develop a set of joint principles. These principles address the medical home partnership, in which access is facilitated to specialty care, educational services, out-of-home care, family support, and other public and private community services important to the overall health of the patient.