PATH ALONG Wisconsins Answer To Readmissions

PATH ALONG is an original Wisconsin model (service set) that connects inpatient providers to community staff who support the patient during health system transitions.  PATH ALONG secures the link between health system hand offs.  Centers For Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have enacted policy to reduce reimbursement for hospitals when a patient is readmitted within 30 days. 

PATH ALONG is an evidence based model with three defined services to help the hospitalist fulfull their continuity of care role.  The PATH ALONG referral supports the CMS initiative to facilitate cost savings with improved quality.  PATH ALONG is seen as one of the best ways for Wisconsin community planners to reduce health care costs and improve patient care in the process. 

Social services in cooperation with the hospitalist can be mindful of lead indicators a person may benefit from the additional support a PATH ALONG referral can provide. 

1. History of readmission to the hospital
2. A chronic disease process (COPD, Diabetes. CHF) with a change in physical function
3. A chronic disease process (COPD, Diabetes, CHF) with a change in cognition.
4. A scheduled hospitalization

PATH ALONG delivers inpatient, outpatient support that strengthens the connection with the primary clinic provider.  Community health planners can recognize the patient population will experience fewer hospitalizations.  Public money once invested on preventable hospital stays (readmissions) is now available as a risk reserve fund.  Saved money will seem to accumulate rapidly with the defined window being readmissions within 30 days.

 PATH ALONG is a unique model on three important points.

1. PATH ALONG is information driven.

2. PATH ALONG utilizes an expanded focus on inpatient and outpatient care transitions.

3. PATH ALONG is operational and requires no care re-design with physician hospital infrastructure.

PATH ALONG is a registered trademark of Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com a leading senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.  PATH Along can be reached at 608-432-4286.

Check out the web site http://www.homecarepath.com/Pages/PRESSRELEASEOriginalWisconsinModelToReduceHospitalReadmissionRates.aspx