A Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield pilot program in New Jersey is closely monitoring congestive heart failure patients in their own homes in an effort to drive down hospital readmissions, according to a news report by The Record.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease and is the top reason patients are readmitted to the hospital, said Patricia Orchard, director of clinical operations for health affairs at Horizon BCBS. Despite the serious nature of this condition, Ms. Orchard said it can be efficiently monitored to reduce risk of hospital readmission.
Through the pilot program, Horizon BCBS utilizes telemonitoring to keep a close eye on congestive heart failure patients in their own homes. Anytime the home monitoring system senses a risk, such as weight gain, a Horizon BCBS medical professional is alerted to check on the patient. Home visits and personal consultations ensure patients receive efficient and immediate care without necessitating an expensive hospital visit, according to the news report.
Read the news report about Horizon BCBS' pilot program.
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Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease and is the top reason patients are readmitted to the hospital, said Patricia Orchard, director of clinical operations for health affairs at Horizon BCBS. Despite the serious nature of this condition, Ms. Orchard said it can be efficiently monitored to reduce risk of hospital readmission.
Through the pilot program, Horizon BCBS utilizes telemonitoring to keep a close eye on congestive heart failure patients in their own homes. Anytime the home monitoring system senses a risk, such as weight gain, a Horizon BCBS medical professional is alerted to check on the patient. Home visits and personal consultations ensure patients receive efficient and immediate care without necessitating an expensive hospital visit, according to the news report.
Read the news report about Horizon BCBS' pilot program.
Read other coverage about healthcare quality:
- Wound Dressing With Silver Kills MRSA, Other Antibiotic-Resistance 'Superbugs'
- Honey May Help in Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- "Active Surveillance," Barrier Precautions Not as Effective in Reducing MRSA, VRE