XLHealth VP of Clinical Innovation Presents to South Carolina Hospital Association CFO Forum

CHARLESTON, S.C., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kieron Dey, vice president of clinical innovation at XLHealth Corporation, a leading provider of Medicare Advantage solutions for those with special needs, presented to participants of the South Carolina Hospital Association's CFO Forum the initial results of a study analyzing intervention methods aimed at decreasing rates of hospitalization among chronically ill Medicare patients. Today marks the last day of the three-day forum, attended by more than 40 financial leaders within the state's hospital system.

"It has taken about 20 years to perfect the statistical design of this type of study -- this is a revolutionary approach in conducting research," Dey said.  "Our unique approach to examining hospital admissions and readmissions offers opportunity for hospitals to develop stronger approaches to care coordination and cost control for chronically ill and underserved Medicare beneficiaries."

The study, which is ongoing, involves high-risk members of Care Improvement Plus, XLHealth's Medicare Advantage chronic condition Special Needs Plan (SNP). The study seeks to determine which intervention methods are most beneficial to chronically ill patients, as measured by their impact in reducing all-cause hospital admission rates and related costs.

The initial results of the study found hospital admissions were most greatly reduced by four intervention methods including: medication counseling, transportation assistance, "ask your doctor" letters, and post hospital discharge calls from plan nurses.  

"Care Improvement Plus serves more than 19,000 South Carolina seniors with chronic illnesses," said Dey. "More than 160,000 chronically ill seniors in the state of South Carolina could benefit from these intervention methods."

For more information about Dey's presentation, titled "Reducing Admits and Readmits in Every Hospital," contact Katy Funk at [email protected].

About XLHealth Corporation

XLHealth Corporation (http://www.xlhealth.com) is the owner and operator of Care Improvement Plus, 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 such as dental and vision coverage, and care management support.

SOURCE XLHealth Corporation