A Missouri-based community paramedicine program improves access to preventive and primary care, while reducing emergency department visits among high-risk and chronically ill patients.

Background

In rural communities, patients with chronic conditions often rely on emergency rooms for preventive and primary care due to provider shortages in these regions. To reduce overreliance on costly emergency services for non-urgent care, Washington County, Missouri, created the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Network (MIHN). The partnership between a federally qualified health center, the local ambulance district, and a community college trains community paramedics and community health workers to deliver care and services to patients in their homes and connect them to resources. This article describes the MIHN model and offers insights on how other rural communities can adapt this approach to meet local needs.

Findings

In its first year, the MIHN program achieved a 100% reduction in emergency transports among participating patients. It also helped lower annual health care costs and improved chronic disease management among patients.

Program/Policy Takeaways

The MIHN model offers an innovative solution to the persistent barriers rural residents face in accessing timely preventive and primary care. Successful implementation requires strong local partnerships and sustainable financing strategies to ensure long-term program viability.