Healthcare purchasers increasingly recognize that cost is influenced not only by what care is delivered, but also by where it is delivered. Site-of-service strategy has become a major area of focus in employer-sponsored healthcare as organizations seek opportunities to improve value without compromising quality.

A child experiencing a common illness could potentially receive care through primary care, telehealth, urgent care, or an emergency department. Each setting serves a purpose and provides value under specific circumstances. However, the total cost of care may vary considerably depending on which setting is selected and whether continuity of care is maintained following the encounter.

Strong primary care functions as both a treatment resource and a navigation resource. It helps families understand when emergency care is necessary, when a specialist should be involved, and when a condition can be managed safely within primary care. In many healthcare systems, the most efficient care is not necessarily the least expensive care. It is the care delivered in the most appropriate setting.

AAP Medical Home; Health Affairs Continuity Study