Advanced Primary Care Management: The Future of Senior Healthcare

In today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape, senior living operators are constantly evaluating innovative ways to enhance quality of life for residents while ensuring optimal care delivery.

One such solution is Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM): a program that will enable senior living communities to provide more coordinated and comprehensive care (that can significantly improve resident health outcomes).

What Is Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) and Why It Matters to Seniors

APCM is a new program developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of its overall re-prioritization of healthcare value over volume.

Designed to support providers in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care that focuses on prevention, coordination, and continuous health management, APCM is an evolved model of primary care designed to move beyond the traditional “sick-care” approach. Instead of only addressing health issues as they arise, APCM will emphasize proactive and continuous care, helping patients manage their chronic conditions, prevent illnesses, and improve their overall well-being.

Additionally, the program will enable primary care practices to provide more resources, allowing them to become a comprehensive hub for their patient’s overall healthcare needs.

Key Features of APCM: Care Coordination, Prevention, and Technology

The APCM program will include:

• Multidisciplinary Care Coordination: APCM will rely on a team-based approach. Doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and other specialists will collaborate to manage patient care, ensuring that treatments are coordinated and holistic. This will reduce fragmentation and ensure that no aspect of the patient’s health is overlooked.
• Personalized Care Delivery: The model will emphasize communication and take patient preferences into account, allowing them to have a say in their treatments and feel more engaged in their healthcare journey overall.
• Comprehensive Services: APCM primary care teams will be equipped to offer preventive screenings, provide mental healthcare, and support a wide range of chronic conditions—making it easier for patients to receive all their care in one place (and in a timely manner).
• Advanced Technologies: APCM will integrate the latest technologies (including electronic health records, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring platforms) into patient care, helping track progress and make real-time adjustments to care plans (without requiring an in-person visit).
• Prevention-Focused Care: Instead of reacting to health problems, APCM will focus on preventing them. Regular screenings, lifestyle coaching, and early intervention will keep patients healthier and reduce the need for emergency care and hospitalizations.
• 24/7 Availability: With APCM, patients will have access to a care team representative all day, every day.

How APCM Drives Better Health and Cost Savings in Senior Communities

• Lower Costs: By reducing hospital visits and avoiding unnecessary treatments, CMS believes APCM may ultimately lower the overall cost of healthcare services.
• Improve Patient Satisfaction: With a more personalized and coordinated approach, patients are expected to experience better care and develop a stronger relationship with their providers.
• Reduce Staff Stress: APCM’s team-based approach will reduce burnout for clinicians and other senior living professionals, allowing them to better focus on delivering quality care and enhancing patient experience.

Curana Health’s APCM Model: What Residents Can Expect in 2025

APCM may be a new program from CMS, but its core principles are not new to Curana. We have always been driven to improve the health, happiness, and dignity of our patients, and APCM is expected to enhance our capabilities.

Curana Health will offer APCM services in select markets in 2025. These services will include dedicated nurse care managers to support patients in between appointments. They will be focused on extensive review of patient medical records and history, patient-centered care plan development (based on the needs and preferences of each patient), and transitions between care settings.

These dedicated nurse care managers will complement our established concierge-style primary care model, where physician-led teams deliver comprehensive care to residents directly in their living spaces and on-site clinics. This integrated approach combines 24/7 care team availability, consistent on-site rounding, and advanced technology to drive better outcomes.

Looking Ahead: The Growing Impact of APCM in Senior Living

As the healthcare system continues to evolve, many experts believe APCM will offer a solution for today’s challenges. It promises more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused care, and while it may take time for APCM to be widely adopted, early results show it can improve health outcomes, lower costs, and create a better overall experience for patients and providers alike.

In short, APCM will offer a forward-thinking way to deliver healthcare—one that prioritizes prevention, coordination, and most importantly, patient experience. By focusing on the whole person, APCM could be the key to a healthier, more sustainable healthcare future, and Curana is honored to be on the forefront of that transition.

Interested in learning more about Curana Health’s on-site primary care services (and when our APCM enhancements will be available in your market)? Reach out to us today at [email protected].