A study by Yale Medicine and Optum researchers reveals that Medicare Advantage patients receiving in-home health visits through the Optum HouseCalls program have fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays. The study examined over 48,000 beneficiaries with conditions like diabetes and hypertension, finding reductions in hospital visits. The researchers emphasize the need to redesign care delivery models for improved outcomes and decreased healthcare expenditures. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of personalized, proactive care delivery.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Yale Medicine and Optum reveals that Medicare Advantage patients who receive in-home health visits through the Optum HouseCalls program experience fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays. The study, published in Medical Care, highlights the positive impact of HouseCalls, which are conducted by licensed clinicians providing primary care and addressing urgent needs. These clinicians collaborate with the patient’s primary care physicians, sharing assessment results and referring them to additional support services when necessary.
The research examined health outcomes for over 48,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and depression. Comparing data from beneficiaries who received in-home visits in 2018 to those who did not have a visit until 2019, the study found significant reductions in emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays.
The findings are particularly significant considering that approximately half of traditional Medicare patients have at least one of the aforementioned conditions. By focusing on proactive disease management and prevention, the researchers argue that care delivery models can be redesigned to improve outcomes while reducing the burden on healthcare expenditures per capita.
Key Takeaways from the study include:
1. Patients with coronary artery disease experienced 4.6 percent fewer inpatient stays and 4.1 percent fewer emergency room visits.
2. Patients with Type 2 diabetes saw a reduction of 5.2 percent in inpatient stays and 4.1 percent in emergency room visits.
3. Patients with hypertension exhibited 5.1 percent fewer inpatient stays and 4.4 percent fewer emergency room visits.
4. Patients with depression showed a decrease of 2.5 percent in inpatient stays and 3.7 percent in emergency room visits.
Overall, the study underscores the potential benefits of the Optum HouseCalls program in improving healthcare outcomes for Medicare Advantage members, reducing the need for emergency care, and optimizing resource allocation. It highlights the importance of proactive and personalized care delivery models that prioritize prevention and disease management.