New Partnership Will Improve Home Health Services For North Texas Residents

ARLINGTON, Texas, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new partnership between Texas Health Resources and Methodist Health System will enhance home health services and facilitate better coordination of care delivery across North Texas.

The two health systems have signed an agreement with Louisiana-based LHC Group to deliver home health care for regional patients. LHC Group is a national provider of post-acute care, operating more than 300 locations in 19 states.

The newly formed Texas Health HomeCare, based in Arlington, and Methodist HomeCare, based in Dallas, will provide a full range of home health services, transitioning patients from the hospital to the home setting. Home health services will be offered for patients living with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure and COPD, as well as for those individuals recovering from illness or injury. 

Patients will receive physician-directed care from skilled nurses and therapists in the privacy and comfort of home, and qualified patients will receive the Philips Lifeline medical alert service at no additional charge as part of the plan of care.

Douglas Hawthorne, CEO of Texas Health Resources, said the new partnership is the result of a commitment by the two Texas healthcare organizations to work together to improve post-acute care in their communities.

"Our organization and Methodist Health System came together some time ago and identified the need for a strong, stable provider of home health care in our region," Hawthorne said. "As one of the nation's most experienced post-acute care partners for not-for-profit hospitals, LHC Group has a strong track record of working with health systems to reduce avoidable readmissions and keep patients where they want to be -- recovering in the comfort of home.

"Most importantly, our three organizations share a mission of improving the health of the patients we serve."

Added Stephen L. Mansfield, Ph.D., president and CEO of Methodist Health System, "We recognize our commitment to our patients doesn't end with their discharge from the hospital. Through this progressive partnership model, we're bringing together three nationally recognized healthcare providers to seamlessly transition patients from the acute to the post-acute setting in a unique and collaborative way that puts patient care first."

LHC Group, based in Lafayette, La., has been repeatedly recognized for excellence and innovation and is the only national home health company committed to 100 percent Joint Commission accreditation. Keith G. Myers, LHC Group's chairman and CEO, said the new partnership will result in improved patient care – helping patients recover in the comfort of home and preventing costly and avoidable hospital readmissions as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

"Methodist Health System and Texas Health Resources are two of the leading health systems not only in Texas but also the country," Myers said. "Working together, our three organizations will bring a seamless continuum of care to the people of North Texas. We're proud to partner with these exemplary health systems for the benefit of the patients they serve."

About Texas Health Resources
Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health systems in the United States. The health system includes 25 acute care and short-stay hospitals that are owned, operated, joint-ventured or affiliated with Texas Health Resources.  It includes the Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial and Texas Health Harris Methodist hospitals, Huguley Memorial Medical Center, Texas Health Physicians Group, outpatient facilities, behavioral health and home health, preventive and fitness services, and an organization for medical research and education.

For more information about Texas Health Resources, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.texashealth.org.

About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org. Connect with them through Facebook, YouTube and Twitter at www.methodisthealthsystem.org/socialmedia.

About LHC Group Inc.
LHC Group Inc. is a national provider of home post-acute care services, providing quality, cost-effective health care to patients within the comfort and privacy of their home or place of residence. LHC Group provides a comprehensive array of post-acute healthcare services through home health, hospice and private duty locations in its home-based division and long-term acute care hospitals in its facility-based division.

SOURCE Texas Health Resources