What are the five core functions of PCMH?

• A. Comprehensive care
• B. Quality and Safety
• C. Coordinated care
• D. All five core functions

Answer: (D)

The five core functions of a Patient-Centered Medical Home are comprehensive care, patient-centered care, coordinated care, accessible services, and quality and safety. The question asks for the five core functions, so selecting all five is the best choice because it reflects the complete framework that guides how a PCMH operates.

Comprehensive care means addressing most of a patient’s health needs across the lifespan, including preventive, acute, chronic, behavioral health, and social needs, with a team-based plan. Patient-centered care focuses on respecting patients’ preferences, values, and needs, engaging them in decisions, and building a trusting ongoing relationship. Coordinated care involves organizing care across the health system, ensuring smooth communication among primary care, specialists, hospitals, and community services, and managing transitions. Accessible services ensure timely access to care and information—same-day or next-day appointments, after-hours access, and convenient ways to connect with the care team. Quality and safety emphasize using evidence-based practices, measuring performance, and continuously improving care to protect patient safety.

Because the model is defined by these five elements working together, the option that encompasses all of them best captures what PCMH is designed to deliver.