What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Aetna has announced plans to expand its Clinical Collaboration Program, aiming to improve outcomes for Medicare Advantage members by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. The program involves placing nurses on-site at hospitals to assist with care transitions, supporting patients as they move to skilled nursing facilities or return home. Aetna expects to implement the program at 10 hospitals by the end of the year, currently collaborating with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Houston Methodist, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals. The initiative is designed to address the vulnerable moments during hospital discharge, ensuring patients manage new diagnoses, medications, and follow-up needs effectively.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Aetna's Clinical Collaboration Program is significant for the healthcare industry, particularly in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. By embedding nurses within hospitals, Aetna aims to provide comprehensive support during critical transition periods, potentially lowering readmission rates and hospital stay lengths by 5% annually. This approach not only benefits patients by ensuring continuity of care but also alleviates the burden on hospital staff. The program's success could serve as a model for other insurers and healthcare providers, promoting collaboration and integrated care solutions that enhance patient experiences and reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures.
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