An innovative concept that started in urban centers is making its way into the heart of rural America: hospital-at-home care. The idea stemmed from the realization that patients in rural areas often face significant barriers to accessing treatment. Hospital at home bridges the access gap by offering high-quality care at the patient’s home or at a senior care location. Not entirely new, the concept has gained traction due to advancements in telemedicine and mobile health technologies.
What’s Involved in Hospital at Home?
There is no question that hospital at home improves patient outcomes and satisfaction while reducing costs. Although the implementation process is complex and may seem daunting for a community hospital with limited resources, the model is beneficial for the hospital and patients. Some requirements include IT infrastructure; logistics for equipment, food and staff; and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) credentialing. Many hospitals are partnering with service providers and taking a phased approach to introducing hospital-at-home services.
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