Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, plans to expand its hospital at home program to all 18 hospitals across the health system.
The acute hospital at home program was created under the Medicare CMS waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since been granted an extension, although extension of the program beyond this year will require additional action by Congress.
“Hospital From Home” launched in late April 2024 in partnership with Medically Home after a 2022 pilot at JFK University Medical Center. The program has treated almost 100 patients since it began in late April.
Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, along with JFK University Medical Center, are currently participating in the program, which the network plans to expand to all hospitals across the health system.
Through Hospital From Home, patients are monitored virtually through a clinically integrated, physician-led virtual command center, which operates 24 hours a day to ensure seamless patient care alongside in-person nurse visits. Services and treatments include IV antibiotics, infusions, medication management, laboratory services, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy and imaging in a patient’s home. Meals and nutritional consultations are also available.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are proud to deliver the next generation of care,” said Patrick R. Young, president of population health, in a statement. “This is a whole new healthcare experience for patients and their caregivers that will deliver better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.”
Medically Home is collaborating with Hackensack Meridian as an operating partner, providing command center services, logistics, and technology needed to deliver hospital-level care in the home.
