WELLSTAR
Wellstar MCG Health was the first hospital in Georgia to receive the waiver , in September 2022 . The programme provides a continuity of care approach from acute care services to observation at home , post-admit management , enhanced monitoring at home and chronic disease monitoring at home . It has also tried to ensure patients can escalate and de-escalate within the construct of their homes by building a longitudinal care model to treat patients through virtual means .
“ For Wellstar MCG Health , these programmes are a really important mechanism for addressing the disparities in healthcare across our state – particularly in rural populations ,” Dr Lyon says . “ Our Virtual Care at Home programme works closely with patients to provide the level of care they would expect in the hospital , just at home , instead .
“ This is really important , because not only do patients benefit from being in their own homes – particularly as populations get older – but being in a normal , comfortable environment prevents complications and is also less costly for the healthcare system . So now , we ’ re able to apply the same resources , just with better care .”
Since 2021 , Wellstar MCG Health has treated 1,086 patients with 6,538 days . The patients who were inpatients and were enrolled into the programme , had an overall Length of Stay ( LOS ) reduction of 1.56 generating direct cost savings to the institution of US $ 2.24mn ( US $ 4K / patient ). Having taken the approach of a longitudinal model , Wellstar MCG Health helps patients no matter what their needs are along the healthcare continuum .
Technology ’ s role in advancing digital health After the pandemic , people began to see the power of technology and
90 February 2024