Vivalink and CHCC Develop National Blueprint for Hospital-at-Home Programs

What's Happening?

Vivalink, a digital healthcare solutions provider, has partnered with the Connected Health Collaborative Community (CHCC) to create a national framework for Hospital-at-Home (HaH) programs. This blueprint, titled 'Advancing a Sustainable Hospital-at-Home Ecosystem at Scale,' aims to help hospitals and health systems develop, implement, and scale HaH initiatives. The collaboration involves leading health systems, payors, and technology partners, and is co-hosted by the Digital Medicine Society and the Consumer Technology Association. The blueprint addresses the impending expiration of the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, which currently allows in-home care to be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person care.

Why It's Important?

The development of a national blueprint for Hospital-at-Home programs is critical as the current reimbursement model is set to expire, potentially jeopardizing the financial viability of these initiatives. HaH programs have demonstrated improved patient outcomes and reduced costs, making them a valuable component of modern healthcare delivery. Without a sustainable model, health systems risk losing one of the most impactful healthcare innovations. The blueprint provides a pathway for hospitals to continue offering in-home care, aligning with broader goals of health equity and innovation. This initiative highlights the importance of adapting healthcare models to meet evolving patient needs and financial realities.

What's Next?

If Congress does not extend the waiver for the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, health systems may need to pause or scale back their HaH initiatives. The blueprint developed by Vivalink and CHCC offers a strategic approach to maintaining these programs, but legislative action will be crucial in ensuring their sustainability. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and policymakers, will need to advocate for the extension of the waiver to preserve the benefits of HaH programs. The collaboration between Vivalink and CHCC sets the stage for further innovation and expansion of in-home care models.