OSU Wexner Medical Center Partnerships Focus on Home-Based Care | Healthcare Innovation

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has announced two partnerships highlighting its increased focus on home-based care.

Columbus-based OSU announced a partnership with DispatchHealth, a provider of in-home medical care, as well as a joint venture with Alternate Solutions Health Network (ASHN).

The ASHN deal will become operational by August 2021 and will be jointly owned by OSU Holding Corp., an Ohio State-affiliated entity and ASHN. A multi-disciplinary team will treat patients for many types of illnesses, injuries and conditions. This includes patients recovering from surgery, patients with chronic or acute conditions including cancer, older adults, and patients who require nursing care or rehabilitation services.

“Home health is a critical component to the overall continuum of care and, when done right, leads to better patient outcomes and lower costs,” said Hal Paz, M.D., executive vice president and chancellor for health affairs at The Ohio State University and CEO of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, in a statement. “This new venture will provide our patients high-quality connected care, reduce preventable hospital readmissions and expenses, enhance operational efficiencies, and expand access while closing gaps in care for the full spectrum of the populations we serve.”

Founded in 1999 and based in Kettering, Ohio, Alternate Solutions Health Network, partners with health systems representing 80 hospitals across five states in joint venture partnerships to create post-acute care solutions.

The partnership with DispatchHealth begins July 1. OSU Wexner’s patients and providers throughout the Columbus community can request DispatchHealth’s medical care for a wide range of common to complex injuries and illnesses including viral infections, COPD exacerbations, congestive heart failure and more.

DispatchHealth’s platform brings same-day care to the home and provides coordination of support services with the patient’s care team and ongoing care needs. As part of this partnership, certain high-risk patients will also have access to DispatchHealth’s Bridge Care, which is proactive in-home care 24 to 72 hours after an acute care hospital stay.

“This partnership will provide our patients high-acuity care in the comfort of their own homes, while reducing preventable hospital readmissions by connecting patients with a primary care physician or specialist,” said Paz in a statement.