San Antonio-based University Health has emerged as a national healthcare leader, demonstrating how innovative at-home care programs can revolutionize patient treatment while delivering substantial cost savings. The health system’s groundbreaking initiative has not only saved over $17 million but also earned prestigious national recognition for operational excellence Medical.
National Recognition for Healthcare Innovation
America’s Essential Hospitals presented University Health with the coveted 2025 Gage Award for operational excellence on June 12 in Atlanta. This prestigious award recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving vulnerable populations while maintaining operational efficiency and clinical excellence.
The recognition comes after University Health’s at-home care program proved its effectiveness over four years of operation, setting new standards for community-based healthcare delivery and patient-centered care models.
Revolutionary In-Home Medical Program Launch
University Health launched its at-home care initiative in 2021, pioneering a care model that brings comprehensive medical services directly to patients’ residences. This innovative approach represents a significant shift from traditional facility-based care, offering patients the comfort and familiarity of their own homes while receiving professional medical attention.
The program specifically targets patients who require medical facility-level care but can be safely managed in their home environment with appropriate medical supervision and technology support. This careful patient selection process ensures optimal outcomes while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Impressive Patient Care Statistics
Since its inception, the at-home care program has achieved remarkable milestones in patient care delivery. The initiative has successfully cared for more than 3,400 patients, demonstrating the substantial demand for home-based medical services in the San Antonio community.
Most significantly, the program has freed over 17,500 medical facility beds, creating unprecedented capacity for the health system to serve additional patients. This bed liberation has proven crucial during peak demand periods and emergency situations, allowing University Health to maintain consistent patient access to care.
Substantial Financial Impact and Cost Savings
The financial benefits of University Health’s at-home care program extend far beyond initial projections. The health system reports savings exceeding $17 million, achieved through reduced overhead costs, improved operational efficiency, and decreased resource utilization compared to traditional inpatient care.
These cost savings stem from multiple factors, including reduced facility costs, streamlined staffing models, and elimination of expensive medical center infrastructure requirements for qualifying patients. The program demonstrates how innovative care delivery can simultaneously improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Enhanced Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction
Beyond financial metrics, the at-home care program has delivered measurable improvements in patient care quality. The initiative has successfully reduced medical facility readmissions, indicating better care coordination and patient stability following treatment.
Patient satisfaction scores have shown notable improvement, with participants reporting higher comfort levels, increased family involvement in care decisions, and reduced anxiety associated with medical facility environments. The familiar home setting contributes to faster recovery times and improved overall patient experience.
Comprehensive Patient Assessment Benefits
University Health CEO Ed Banos emphasizes the program’s unique advantage in providing holistic patient care. “Hospital at home has really opened our eyes to the complete care of the patient,” Banos explained. “Program nurses can see if patients have good housing, family support, adequate food and transportation.”
This comprehensive assessment capability allows healthcare providers to identify and address social determinants of health that significantly impact patient outcomes. By understanding patients’ living conditions and support systems, medical teams can develop more effective, personalized care plans.
Operational Excellence and Medical Facility Efficiency
The at-home care program has created a positive ripple effect throughout University Health’s entire healthcare system. With the health system admitting more than 40,000 patients annually and bed capacity at a premium, every home-based patient creates valuable opportunities for emergency and urgent care patients.
“It has also had a profound halo effect for the entire hospital,” noted CEO Banos. “If we see 20 or 30 of these patients at home, patients in the emergency rooms get into their own rooms that much faster.”
Future of Healthcare Delivery
University Health’s success with at-home care positions the organization as a model for other healthcare systems nationwide. The program demonstrates how innovative care delivery models can address traditional healthcare challenges while improving patient satisfaction and reducing costs.
As healthcare continues evolving toward value-based care models, University Health’s in-home medical program provides a proven blueprint for successful implementation of alternative care delivery systems that benefit patients, providers, and communities
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