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Under the new model, multidisciplinary teams led by a comprehensive care physician will care for patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The goal is to improve the continuity of care and boost the bond between the physician and patient. Previous research suggests that a strong physician-patient relationship can lower healthcare costs. A 1984 Veterans Administration study compared patients who saw the same primary care physician at every clinic visit against patients who saw a different physician each visit. It found reduced hospitalizations, hospital stays and intensive care unit usage in the group with higher continuity of care.
The trial will enroll patients from the South Side of Chicago who are predicted to spend an average of 10 days a year in the hospital. The research will begin this fall.
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