While the services provided by local programs may vary, key characteristics of MIH-CP programs include:

• Fully integrated – a vital component of the existing healthcare system, with efficient bidirectional sharing of patient health information.

• Goal directed – predicated on meeting a defined need of a specific patient population in a local community articulated by local stakeholders and supported by formal community health needs assessments.

• Patient-centered – incorporates a holistic approach focused on the improvement of patient outcomes.

• Collaborative – works together with existing healthcare systems or resources, fills resource gaps within the local community.

• Consistent with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) Triple Aim philosophy - improving the patient experience of care; improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of healthcare.

• Data driven – data collected and analyzed to develop evidence-based performance measures, research and benchmarking opportunities.

• Physician led – overseen by engaged physicians and other practitioners involved in the MIH-CP program, as well as the patient’s primary care network/patient-centered medical home, using telemedicine technology when appropriate and feasible.

• Team based – integrating multiple providers, both clinical and non-clinical, in meeting the holistic needs of patients who are either enrolled in or referred to MIH-CP programs.

• Educationally appropriate – including more specialized education of MIH-CP practitioners, with the approval of regulators or local stakeholders.

• Financially sustainable – including proactive discussion and financial planning with federal payers, health systems, Accountable Care Organizations, managed care organizations, Physician Hospital Organizations, legislatures, and other stakeholders to establish MIH-CP programs and component services as an element of the overall (IHI) Triple Aim approach.

• Legally compliant – through strong, legislated enablement of MIH-CP component services and programs at the federal, state and local levels.