#11 – Future of Home Care featuring Guest Host Dan D’Orazio CEO of Sage Growth Partners

The Home as a Healthcare Hub

Dan D’Orazio opened the discussion by highlighting the increased importance of the home as a healthcare site, especially during the pandemic. While homes have always been a place of care, the pandemic accelerated the need for home-based healthcare solutions.

Lee Shapiro emphasized the importance of meeting patients where they are. He pointed out the advancements in technology and the waivers provided by the government that have enabled better utilization of home-based services. However, he also highlighted the challenges related to reimbursement and the need for proper incentives to ensure effective home care.

The Bridge Between Virtual and Physical Care

Dan D’Orazio further delved into the topic of virtual care, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person care. He highlighted the unique role of EMS professionals in this context, especially in serving vulnerable and underserved populations.

Christopher Bradbury shared insights from his ride-alongs, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in healthcare. He stressed the need for healthcare providers to work together, breaking down traditional barriers to ensure the best care for patients.

The Role of Technology in Home Healthcare

Lee Shapiro brought up a crucial point about the role of technology in home healthcare. He emphasized that while technology is essential, it must be coupled with trust to be effective. The balance between tech and touch is vital, and technology should serve as a bridge to ensure the right resources are allocated to the right patients at the right time.

Chris McGhee echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of trust in virtual care. He emphasized that while technology can provide a bridge, the human touch remains essential. He also pointed out the safety benefits of home care, noting that patients are often safer at home than in hospitals.

The Impact on Emergency Department Utilization

Dan Trigub pointed out the high rate of ED visits among Medicaid patients, emphasizing the need to address this issue. With many patients using the ED as primary care, there’s a significant opportunity to provide better care solutions in the home, addressing both acute care needs and underlying social determinants of health.

Innovation in Healthcare: The Challenge and Opportunity

D’Orazio posed a thought-provoking question about the pace of innovation in healthcare. He highlighted the dichotomy between the need for rapid innovation and the industry’s historical resistance to change. He asked Christopher Bradbury about the challenges and opportunities in connecting the dots within an integrated model of home health, infusion, and DME.

Christopher Bradbury emphasized the importance of simplifying the transition of care process for patients and their families. He spoke about the need to focus on the patient’s overall well-being and how to best support them in their homes. Bradbury also highlighted the significance of trusted moments in the home, where healthcare providers can inform patients about their benefits and available resources. He stressed the importance of collaboration and information sharing to ensure holistic care for patients.

Scaling Home Healthcare: The Path Forward

The conversation then shifted to the topic of scaling home healthcare. Dan D’Orazio pointed out the challenges of scaling healthcare, given its hyper-local nature and the complexities of information sharing and financing models.

Chris McGhee from Current Health – Best Buy discussed the underlying consumer trends, emphasizing that patients are now more inclined to seek care in easier-to-access sites. He highlighted the importance of financial model innovation to drive scale in home healthcare. McGhee stressed that without a sustainable financial model, the growth of home healthcare would be stunted.

Lee Shapiro, with his vast experience in building successful companies, shared his insights on achieving scale. He emphasized the need to demonstrate improved outcomes and a return on investment to those bearing the cost of care. Shapiro pointed out the importance of creating a great consumer experience and the need for the U.S. to invest more in prevention and avoidance.

Scaling Home Healthcare: The Broader Perspective

Dan D’Orazio continued the discussion by seeking insights from the panelists on how they perceive the scaling of healthcare in their respective communities.

Dan Trigub from MedArrived shared his perspective on the importance of building rich relationships with major MCOs and Medicare providers. He emphasized the value of patience and persistence in the healthcare industry, contrasting it with the rapid growth seen in tech sectors like social media.

Christopher Bradbury highlighted the importance of understanding the financial models of healthcare partners. He emphasized the need for collaboration and the importance of delivering value to both patients and payers. Bradbury also touched upon the often-overlooked issue of loneliness among patients, suggesting that addressing this could be a significant indicator of progress in home healthcare.

The Future of Home Healthcare

As the discussion neared its conclusion, D’Orazio posed a final question to the panelists: How will we know, three and a half years from now, that care in the home has made significant advancements?

Lee Shapiro expressed optimism, citing the rise of virtual-only care plans and the increasing recognition of the importance of delivering care wherever the patient is. He emphasized the need for support and availability of services in the home.

Chris McGhee stressed the importance of establishing and strengthening financial models to drive a larger percentage of inpatient care into the home. He also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to facilitate the transition of care to the home.

Dan Trigub from MedArrived shared his belief that a significant indicator of progress would be the widespread adoption and utilization of home care services by vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly those on Medicaid.

Christopher Bradbury took a unique approach, suggesting that a decrease in loneliness among patients could be a significant indicator of progress in home healthcare. He emphasized the need for broader community engagement and the use of digital and virtual assets to address this issue.

Slice of Healthcare Wrap Up

The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in home healthcare. The panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration, understanding financial models, and addressing broader societal issues like loneliness. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the focus on patient well-being, community engagement, and innovative solutions will be crucial.