An article authored by PYA Principals Mike Nichols and Martie Ross was recently published by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). “Why Health Systems May Find an Acute Care at Home Strategy Attractive” details how providers can assess the viability of an acute care at home strategy, including competencies that lay the groundwork for a successful program. The article also provides six key points that can help health systems develop a strategy. Mike and Martie write that the biggest obstacle to more widespread adaptation of acute care at home strategies is that it is not recognized as a reimbursable service, with few exceptions. While some services can be separately reimbursed, the payment does not cover the costs of delivering acute care levels in a patient’s home. Despite this, they argue that there are compelling reasons for providers to look into acute care at home, including possible shifts in the industry.
Article Excerpt
Although acute care at home may be a concept whose time has come, it is difficult to predict how quickly such programs will become mainstream. Hospitals have long been organized to deliver care within a facility, and adapting to new sites of care is one of today’s great challenges for them. Each organization’s decision to invest resources in an acute care at home program, therefore, should be made based on careful consideration of its specific circumstances—not simply to follow the crowd.
Read the full article here.
If you would like assistance with acute care at home strategies, or with any matter involving compliance, valuation, or strategy and transactions, one of our executive contacts would be happy to assist. You may email them below, or call (800) 270-9629.
