By Leila Merrill
Lafayette, La. — Acadian Ambulance has launched a new division, Acadian Health, to offer at-home healthcare, according to a news release from the company.
Acadian Health is an extension of Acadian’s health and medical services and offers acute and non-acute care in patients’ homes.
The new division is partnering with health plans, accountable care organizations, healthcare providers and health systems. Strategic Development Director Benjamin Swig and Operations Director Richard Belle are leading the partnership efforts.
“Health plans and provider groups are shifting towards supporting a virtual-first model, but when it is not enough, the last mile of care can now be supported by a well-equipped provider who has the ability to complete the last mile of care in the home, with highly skilled and trained providers, or if the assessment determines, by way of medical transport to an appropriate facility. Through this triage approach, we have seen the “acute care at home” trend increasing significantly,” Swig said.
Visits last an average of 45 minutes to an hour.
Treating stable patients at home means that they do not have to go to a hospital or emergency department, which can help prevent crowding.
In addition to conveniently working with a patient at home, Acadian says that its service saves money for patients and payers.
“Over the past three years, Acadian Health has visited and treated approximately 3,000 sick, but stable, patients in their homes, resulting in a savings of approximately $5 million a year by safely treating 98% of actionable cases in the home,” said Acadian Health Operations Director Richard Belle.
Acadian Health operates in four states — Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee.