An integrated community health program serving adults through routine telehealth and in-person visits saw a decrease in hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization and significant cost-savings.

Background

The Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) program in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, was launched to reduce service utilization among adults with frequent emergency services use, ED visits, and hospital readmissions in a rural community with no hospital. The program was delivered by an interdisciplinary team — including a nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, and a peer recovery coach and licensed addiction counselor — through in-person and telephonic engagement. This study explores findings from the program over a three-year period.

Findings

MICH program enrollees included 233 people with a high average of medications and co-morbidities. Reductions in emergency services use, ED visits, and hospital readmissions were seen at 30- and 90-days post-enrollment, representing a total health care cost savings of nearly $3,400,000.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Integrated community health programs that combine regular in-person and telephonic engagement show promise for improving care and reducing health care costs for people with complex health and social needs.