Care That Puts You First. How A Medical Home Supports A Healthier You.
Amanda Waterman, MD, Primary Care Physician and Regional Clinic Lead
April 16, 2026
Having a medical home is an important part of your overall health. You may have heard of the term before, but what does it really mean and how does it benefit you?
What is a Medical Home?
A medical home (also known as a Patient-Centered Medical Home or PCMH) is more than just the building where you see your doctor. It’s a specific way of delivering your care.
In a medical home, you have a dedicated team that works together to support your health in a comprehensive, accessible way. This team-based approach makes it easier for you to get the care you need, whether it’s preventative care, a sudden illness, or managing a chronic condition.
A Better Way to Receive Your Care
A patient-centered medical home is built around five key principles that help make your care more connected, convenient, and personalized.
- Comprehensive Care
A medical home care team supports your physical and mental health. This includes check-ups, preventative care, treatment for illnesses, and chronic care. You’re supported by a team that may include not only your doctor but nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and more! All working together with you in mind. - Patient-Centered
This means you are at the center of everything we do. The relationships between you and your providers are built on respect and value to fully understand your unique needs. Your family and support system are also recognized by your care team and encouraged to be actively involved in your care treatment and plan. - Coordinated Care
Your care doesn’t stop with one visit. Your team helps coordinate everything, from specialty appointments, medications, home care, hospital visits, and community resources. This means less stress for you as you transition between services and communication between you and your care team is a top priority. - Accessible Services
Getting care should be easy. A medical home strives to provide shorter wait times, after-hours support and multiple ways to connect with your care team including by phone, email, MyChart messaging or telehealth. - Quality and Safety
Your medical home care team is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care. They also listen to your feedback and continually look for ways to improve your experience and health outcomes for not just you but your entire community.
Why It Matters
When you have a medical home, you’re not just seeing a provider; you’re building a relationship with a team that knows and cares for you. This way of delivering care leads to better health, fewer gaps in care, and a more personalized experience.
Hopefully this has helped you gain an understanding of what it means to be cared for in a medical home. As a physician, it is my honor to be part of an amazing team and to care for the needs of both individuals and the community daily.
CommUnityCare Health Centers is dedicated to serving its Central Texas communities through the Patient-Centered Medical Home model. If you need a place where you can receive care that aligns with your needs and values, call our patient navigation center today. If you are already patient, thank you for trusting us with your care.
A medical home is defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as a medical home not simply as a place but as a model of the organization of primary care that delivers the core functions of primary health care.