XLHealth Launches Post-Hospital Home Visit Program for Medicare Members
Special Needs Plan expands HouseCalls program to help reduce readmissions
BALTIMORE, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- XLHealth, a leading provider of health plan solutions for Medicare beneficiaries with special needs, has launched a new program providing hospitalized members with free in-home doctor or nurse practitioner visits directly following their discharge from the hospital. The company is leveraging its network of 240 doctors and nurse practitioners within its HouseCalls unit to support the program to reduce unnecessary and costly hospital readmissions among high-risk members of Care Improvement Plus, XLHealth's Medicare Advantage plan.
"This initiative is a natural extension of our HouseCalls program, and is one of the many ways that we are expanding our ability to support members in their homes at times when they most need our help," says Dr. John Mach, XLHealth's chief medical officer.
Studies indicate that as many as 20 percent of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries return to the hospital within a month of their discharge, resulting in costs totaling $17 billion annually.
"Far too many seniors with chronic conditions have repeat hospitalizations, causing an out-of-control revolving door," says Mach. "As a health plan that focuses on these people, we are stepping up our efforts to make sure our members are getting the follow-up care they need to break this cycle."
Once in-home, doctors and nurse practitioners complete a thorough assessment pertaining to common post-hospitalization issues, the information is fed back to Care Improvement Plus' clinical team responsible for ongoing member support and communication with primary care and specialist providers. Many common issues identified among members after leaving the hospital include obtaining newly prescribed medications, scheduling home health care visits, and ensuring necessary medical equipment is ordered.
XLHealth completed approximately 77,000 HouseCalls to date this year and approximately 150 post-discharge visits during an initial two-month trial period; the company expects to complete another 6,000 post-discharge visits by the end of 2011.
About XLHealth Corporation
XLHealth Corporation (http://www.xlhealth.com) is the owner and operator of Care Improvement Plus (http://www.careimprovementplus.com), a Medicare Advantage health plan committed to delivering quality health care benefits and serving the underserved. Focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing health care spending, Care Improvement Plus provides comprehensive Medicare coverage and a Part D prescription drug benefit, plus additional services including care management support.
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Julie Boyd |
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SOURCE XLHealth Corporation
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