MIRAMAR, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Univita Health, the leader in post-acute and home healthcare solutions, hosts academic physicians from South Korea’s Seoul National University Hospital who have traveled to the United States to learn how telehealth is being used to improve patient outcomes. The visit was organized by Philips, the manufacturer of the state-of-the-art eCare portal used to monitor patients enrolled in Univita’s proprietary, telehealth-backed Re-admission Reduction Solution. Univita is one of only two healthcare organizations in the U.S. using the Philips eCare solution. The other is a major hospital system in Detroit, Michigan.
In late 2014, South Korea’s government announced plans to reverse a policy that restricted the use of telehealth, particularly in the chronic care setting. As a result of the change in policy, physicians in Korea are excited to learn how telehealth has changed care outcomes in the U.S.
“Telehealth is the future of medicine,” said Victor Valdes, M.D., and Executive Vice President of Clinical Innovation at Univita. “Telehealth allows for early intervention in patient care, more informed decision making in patient management, greater patient self-care, and reduced risk of repeated hospital admissions and ER visits.”
In July, physicians from Europe are also expected to travel to South Florida to learn more about Univita’s telehealth programs, which are administered by specially-trained registered nurses and are centered on the patient, caregiver and primary care physician. Utilizing this approach, our Re-admission Reduction Solution has significantly reduced hospital re-admissions among high-risk patients with conditions such as chronic heart failure, COPD, diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease enrolled in the program.
Univita’s Re-admission Reduction Solution is built on clinical algorithms that utilize the eCare portal and non-invasive equipment to monitor high-risk patients. The devices feature a “one-button” patient-friendly interface, including non-invasive single lead ECG tracing and thoracic impedance, cardiac output, stroke volume and other vital signs that provide early alerts. The vitals are transmitted via the eCare portal and an electronic medical record system to nurses at Univita who monitor patients for readmission avoidance.
“Patients prefer to heal in the comfort of their own home,” said Michael Muchnicki, Chief Executive Officer at Univita. “Our advanced solutions make that possible and we are thrilled to host physicians from Korea and Europe who are interested in learning about our solutions and how they can apply that knowledge to help patients in their countries.”
To access a white paper on Univita’s Re-admission Reduction Solution, visit univitahealth.com and click on the Re-admission Reduction Solution tab under “Our Services.”
About Univita Health
Univita is the nationwide leader in home healthcare solutions. We work collaboratively with health plans, health systems and physicians to improve quality and reduce hospital readmissions while focusing on the health and well-being of patients in their homes. Our innovative home care model delivers evidence based, high quality care for individuals including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plan members. We offer a comprehensive home health program which includes nursing and therapy services, durable medical equipment, infusion pharmacy services and our innovative Re-admission Reduction Solution. To learn more, visit www.univitahealth.com.