San Mateo Medical Center

Developing Holistic Models for Primary Care

In order to be more effective, safety net health systems are developing holistic models for primary care that provide comprehensive and integrated health services. California’s San Mateo Medical Center participated in an NIH-funded research project that proved the effectiveness of case management in lowering heart disease risk for vulnerable populations. Case managers focused on behavioral changes like eating better, increasing physical activity and ensuring proper use of prescribed medications. They also worked with patients to review progress and develop future treatment plans. The results were impressive: patients who initially had a 10–15 percent risk of suffering severe heart disease or heart attack within the next 10 years reduced their risk by 1.6 percent—roughly a 10 percent reduction.