Episode Details: Home Health
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Innovative Care Model: WellBe Senior Medical provides primary care directly to frail elderly patients in their homes, improving access and outcomes.
- Growth Factors: Driven by demographic trends and health plan needs, WellBe has rapidly expanded to serve 150,000 members across eight states.
- Challenges: Navigating patient density and minimizing drive time are key operational challenges.
- Future Vision: WellBe plans to expand its services, potentially moving into Medicaid to address unmet needs in this population.
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Introduction
The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and WellBe Senior Medical is at the forefront of this change, offering a unique model of care that brings primary healthcare services directly to the homes of the frail elderly. In a recent interview on the Slice of Healthcare podcast, Jeffrey Kang, CEO of WellBe Senior Medical, shared insights into the company’s growth, challenges, and future plans.
The Vision Behind WellBe Senior Medical
Jeffrey Kang, a geriatrician with over 30 years of experience, saw a gap in the healthcare system that often left the most vulnerable elderly patients struggling to access care. “Instead of taking the patient to the care, we bring the care to the patient,” Kang explained. This approach mirrors the comprehensive care offered by clinics like ChenMed, but with the added convenience of being in the patient’s home.
Addressing a Growing Need
The demographic shift of an aging population is a significant driver behind WellBe’s success. As Kang noted, “11,000 people a day are aging into Medicare, and about 10 to 15% of these individuals are frail and have multiple diseases.” These patients often face immense difficulties in accessing traditional healthcare facilities, making WellBe’s home-based care model both necessary and highly effective.
Operational Challenges
While the concept of bringing care to patients’ homes is transformative, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles WellBe faces is what Kang refers to as “density”—the need to have enough patients in a concentrated area to minimize the time clinicians spend driving between appointments. This “windshield time” can reduce the number of patients seen in a day, impacting operational efficiency.
Future Expansion
Looking ahead, Kang expressed excitement about the potential to expand WellBe’s services beyond Medicare Advantage. “Our next move might be into Medicaid,” he said, recognizing the significant unmet needs within this population. This expansion would allow WellBe to bring its compassionate and comprehensive care model to even more individuals who need it most.
Conclusion
WellBe Senior Medical is not just filling a gap in the healthcare system—it is reshaping how care is delivered to some of the most vulnerable members of society. With plans for further expansion and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, WellBe is poised to continue its extraordinary growth, making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape.
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