What is a Medical Home?

A “medical home” is a medical office or clinic where a team of health professionals work together to provide a new, expanded type of care to patients, focusing on prevention and wellness. Having a medical home feels like having a traditional family doctor, but with a team of professionals, using modern knowledge and technology, to provide the best possible care for you in their office.

Who is Part of the Medical Home Care Team?

This team may include a doctor, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, nurse, as well as other health care professionals. Your family and caregivers are also part of the team, and YOU are the most important member! The Blessing Health System also offers care coordina­tion with care managers to ensure you are getting the most out of your health care. These team members are like having “health coaches” who help you get healthy, stay healthy, and get the care and services that are right for you.

What We Do?

Support You in Care

  • Make sure you leave the office with a clear idea of how to care for yourself.

  • Help you set goals for your care, and help you meet your goals one step at a time.

  • Give you information about classes, support groups, or other types of services to help you learn more about your condition and stay healthy.

  • Provide evidence-based care regardless of source of payment.

  • Provide information on healthcare coverage to those without insurance.

  • Coordinate care across all settings.

Communicate with You

  • Give you time to ask questions, and answer them in a way you understand

  • Make sure you know and understand all of your options for care and help you decide what care is best for you.

  • Ask you for feedback about your experience getting care.

What Can You Do

Communicate with Your Care Team

  • Always share your complete medical history. Contact the Health Information Management department at 217-223-8400, ext. 6600 for assistance transferring your records.

  • Always tell your medical home team if you get care from other health professionals so they can help coordinate the best care possible.

  • Always bring a list of questions to each appointment. Also bring a list of any medicines, vitamins, or remedies you use.

  • Always tell your medical home team when you don’t understand something they said. Ask them to explain it in a different way.

  • Always talk openly with your care team about your experience getting care from the medical home so they can make care better.

Learn About Caring for Yourself

  • Know that you are a full partner in your own care.

  • Learn about your condition and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible.

  • Follow the plan that you and your medical home team have agreed is important for your health. If you have questions, ask!

How a Medical Home Works For You

Your medical home care team:

  • Is available 24/7 if you need them and you can get an appointment quickly, even on the same day when needed.

  • Knows you and remembers your health history. They know enough about your personal or family situation to suggest treatment options that make sense for you.

  • Makes sure you understand your condition(s) and how to take care of yourself. They help you sort through your options and make decisions about your care.

  • Helps you coordinate your health care. They will help you find specialists, including behavioral health, get appointments, and make sure specialists have all the information they need. Your medical home team will also be sure you know what the specialists say and what it means for you.

How do I access care and get advice?

  • Simply call your Blessing Health System Medical Home Office and our staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment or answering your questions. If you are calling after regular office hours, an on call nurse or provider will be available to provide you clinical advice over the phone. Depending on your condition, you could access one of our immediate care options at the Walk-In Clinic, or Illini Xpress

  • For life threatening situations, you should go to the nearest emergency room. If you go to the emergency room, call your primary care provider within 48 hours or as soon as medically reasonable.