| Louisville, KY -
Passport Health Plan and Kosair Children’s Hospital have implemented
an on-site case management program called Tiny Tots to improve care
for newborns who cannot be discharged from the hospital at the same
time as their mothers because of intense medical problems. Over a one-year
reporting period, babies in the case management program experienced
lower readmission rates within seven days of discharge from the hospital.
Emergency room visits within seven days of discharge by newborns participating
in the program were also lower than non-participants.
A Passport Health Plan case manager works closely with hospital
staff, physicians, and caregivers to ensure medical and social services
including home health, transportation and primary care doctor visits
are available to the newborn’s family.
Dr. Larry N. Cook, Chairman of the University of Louisville Department
of Pediatrics and Chief of Staff of Kosair Children’s Hospital
said, “This program clearly shows that by working with the
caregivers and all areas of the health care system that touch the
newborn, we can improve health outcomes and better utilize financial
resources. This is an innovative program that enhances care for patients.”
Jennifer Gaw, a new mother whose baby, Madeline, participated in
the Tiny Tots program said, “I know my baby is healthier because
Cheri, our case manager, stayed with us every step of the way. She
made sure Madeline got her medication, scheduled doctor visits, and
transportation when we needed it. She also provided a lot of information
to me that helped me understand Madeline’s needs. I could call
her anytime with questions.”
Participation in the Tiny Tots program is voluntary. It was implemented
February 15, 2001 at Kosair Children’s Hospital. The data measurement
period ran January 1, 2001 – December 31, 2001 - 179 newborn
babies participated. A registered nurse case manager serves as a
liaison and advocate for the family, coordinating home care services,
physician, specialist, hospital, and social services. Over the one-year
measurement period, babies participating in the Tiny Tot program
showed two percent fewer readmission rates within seven days of discharge
and within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. In addition, emergency
room visits within seven days of discharge and 30 days of discharge
were three percent lower than newborns who did not participate in
the program. Overall length of stay in the hospital also decreased
by two days.
Passport Health Plan provides Medicaid managed care services for
over 120,000 members in Jefferson and the 15 surrounding counties.
Counties of service include Breckinridge, Bullitt, Carroll, Grayson,
Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby,
Spencer, Trimble, and Washington. Passport Health Plan is owned by
University Health Care, Inc. UHC, Inc. contracts with AmeriHealth
Mercy Health Plan of Philadelphia to administer the program. AmeriHealth
Mercy and its affiliated health plans comprise the largest multi-state
Medicaid managed care organization in the United States. Through
its ownership, affiliation or management, AmeriHealth Mercy touches
the lives of nearly 1 million Medicaid and State Children’s
Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) members in five states including
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Missouri, Kentucky, and South Carolina.
AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan is a healthcare ministry of the Sisters
of Mercy in affiliation with AmeriHealth HMO, Inc. |
