Urban Rural Differences on Accessing Patient Centered Medical Home Among Children With Mental/Developmental Health Conditions/Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: To address healthcare spending growth and coordinated primary care, most states in the United States have adopted patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs). To evaluate urban rural difference on accessing PCMH among US children, particularly for children with developmental disabilities (DDs) and mental health disorders (MHDs). Methods: This cross-sectional study used the 2016–2018 National Survey for Children's Health (NSCH). Multivariable adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between accessing PCMHs and rurality and mental/developmental conditions/disorders. Results: Children with both DDs and MHDs were statistically significantly higher in rural areas (10.9% rural vs. 8.3% urban, p ≤ .001). Children in rural areas reported higher odds of accessing PCMHs (14%) among all U.S. children, but no differences by subgroups for children with MHDs and/or DDs. Compared with children without DDs/MHDs, the reduction in access to PCMHs varies by children's health status (41% reduction for children both DDs and MHDs, 25% reduction for children with MHDs without DDs) effects. Children with MHDs/DDs were less likely to receive family-centered care, care coordination, and referrals. Conclusions: Quality improvements through PCMHs could focus on family-centered care, care coordination, and referrals. Patient-centered medical home performance measurement could be improved to better measure mental health integration and geographical differences.