B Sure 2 Visit The ER Urgent Care This Holiday

Hospitals nation wide have reached out to the community for help with reducing hospital readmissions and fostering appropriate use of urgent, emergent services.  Wisconsin has organized a State Wide Transition Of Care Coalition Steering Committee.  This is in response to federal policy that reduces hospital reimbursement with a readmission in less than 30 days.

Long term health planners recognize the need for a paradigm shift.  The population needs education that maximizes utilization of the primary care provider.  Community health care providers (www.homecarepath.com ) who coordinate support in the home need to communicate strategies for responding to perceived urgent emergent needs.  Families benefit from feeling connected and safe.

Hospitals will benefit from defining a discharge process that includes the entire patient population and facilitates access to supportive service beyond the hospital door.  A large population of individuals with chronic health care needs may not qualify for public programs.  Discharge planners are challenged to communicate resources available to the family regardless of the pay source.  Historically social services has a hard time identifying and suggesting a needed service Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for. 

As a branding strategy local hospitals now call themselves medical centers to communicate the availability of a comprehensive menu of service for health related needs.  The medical centers publish and distribute elaborate newsletters to keep the community informed. 

This months issue of the medical center newsletter presents a large ad reminding families to visit the urgent - emergent care service during the holidays.  In need of urgent, ER care during the holidays, rest assured we are trained to treat colds, flu, fevers, cuts, scrapes, minor lacerations, sprains, strains, skin rash, bladder infection, minor aches and pains.  We have a physician available 24 hours per day. 

This is a clear example of a mixed message aimed at the population being served by the hospital.  Why struggle with getting in to see your primary( clinic doctor) provider when the Urgent - Emergent care service is wide open and begging for you to come in and visit. 

Regulations that form criteria for hospital admissions have tightened up.  This means individuals must be quite ill to be admitted to the hospital.  Families will report unsatisfaction with emergency room staff when a person is repeatedly taken in to the ER (Emergency Room) and no hospital admission occurs.  Some hospitals will order an observational stay which may not be covered by health insurance. 

Wisconsin families are being encouraged to form a relationship with their primary care provider.  Look to your clinic to help you manage the trouble some symptoms that cause you to reach out for help.

Home Care Path reminds families that calling 911 from your residence with an emergency is an avenue to receive immediate needed care.  If you feel you are experiencing an emergency get help immediately. 

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com is a leading senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.  Services include:
-in home staffing with help for ADL's and IADL's
-inpatient advocacy for safe successful hospital stays
-crisis intervention with transitional counseling
-temporary help with a scheduled day surgery
-down sizing home contents when stuff matters
-communicate face to face on the computer across long distances
-packing and shipping with gift giving season
Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule and in home interview.  2012 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Email lkutzke@homecarepath.onmcirosoft.com  We accept long term care insurance.  We can be there when you are working.  Services are tax deductible.  Valuing home and human life.