South Jersey Hospital-at-Home Programs Resume Amid Uncertain Future

In South Jersey, the hospital-at-home initiative is making a comeback following a recent government shutdown, but its future remains uncertain. Patients at Virtua Health hospitals now have the option to receive acute medical care from home instead of staying in a hospital. This program, known as the Acute Hospital Care at Home, enables medical professionals to monitor patients remotely and provide necessary treatments in their homes.

Dr. Diego Ortega, the clinical lead physician for Virtua’s Hospital at Home program, described the initiative as a way to deliver hospital-level care directly into patients’ living rooms. Through this program, doctors and nurses can perform in-person examinations, blood draws, and administer intravenous medications while patients are monitored 24/7 via connected devices. This innovative approach aims to offer flexibility to both healthcare providers and patients, reducing the burden on hospital facilities.

Government Support and Future Challenges

The Acute Hospital Care at Home program was initially launched in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing hospitals to manage patient loads effectively. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, over 147 health systems are now approved to participate in this initiative, which has shown promising outcomes. Patients receiving care at home have demonstrated lower mortality rates and fewer hospital-acquired infections compared to those treated in traditional settings.

Despite its initial success, the program faces renewed challenges. The recent government shutdown on October 1, 2023, led to a temporary lapse of the program, which is now set to expire on January 30, 2024. Health care providers, including Dr. Rupa Kashyap, chief hospitalist at Virtua Willingboro Hospital, are advocating for Congress to either make the program permanent or extend it for at least five more years. Dr. Kashyap emphasized the potential for this care model to evolve, highlighting its capacity to improve patient outcomes significantly.

Patient Care and Innovative Solutions

Under the hospital-at-home model, eligible patients include those with conditions such as COVID-19, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. The program has expanded to include patients with private insurance as well, increasing accessibility and interest among families. Dr. Ortega noted that receiving care at home eliminates many barriers, including transportation issues, and allows healthcare providers to better understand patients’ daily lives.

Patients enrolled in the program benefit from continuous monitoring and at least two daily visits from registered nurses who perform essential medical tasks. These regular interactions, combined with remote consultations, allow for comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. A federal report published in 2024 underscores the effectiveness of the program, stating that patients treated at home experienced fewer complications and improved recovery rates.

As winter approaches, hospitals typically see a surge in respiratory illnesses, further complicating the situation. Dr. Kashyap warned that if the program is not extended, health systems may face increased pressures to readmit patients who could otherwise be treated at home. The timing is critical as healthcare facilities prepare for the influx of patients associated with seasonal illnesses.

The future of the hospital-at-home initiative in South Jersey hangs in the balance, with healthcare advocates urging for continued support from lawmakers. As the program resumes patient enrollment, its long-term viability will depend on congressional action to secure funding and broaden access to this transformative model of care.