Medline inks deal with Alabama agency

Business Wirew

NORTHFIELD, - Alacare Home Health and Hospice, Alabama's largest family-owned, Medicare-certified home health agency, recently selected Medline for its SmartCare Home Health program.

The new patient care device will benefit patients admitted to Alacare's 23 locations throughout the state. Patients have access to an individualized concierge service with 24/7 care through a wireless device. With the touch of a button, a care center representative that is a social worker can help patients keep track of medications, set up transportation, make appointments or just lend a listening ear.

"Being able to not only prevent readmissions, but provide patient data is key to a successful referral partnership between a home health agency and hospital. SmartCare will help Alacare enhance its efforts in improving patient outcomes for its referral sources," says Bobby Ingram, regional vice president for homecare sales, Medline.

While the rollout across all of Alacare's branches is new, they began a four-month trial of SmartCare in five branch locations earlier this year. During the trial, nearly 600 patient calls were received through wireless device. 276 calls were resolved by involving a physician, pharmacist or family member and emergency services were only needed seven times. One patient had a home fire, but was able to call local fire personnel with the help of SmartCare.

"We are always looking for innovative ways to improve the patient centered care we provide. The SmartCare program utilizes technology, but in a simple and helpful way to provide "peace-of-mind" to our patients and their family-caregivers," said John G. Beard, MBA, JD, President of Alacare Home Health & Hospice.