IEHP Wins 1st Annual Innovation Award for Its Transitional Care Program

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has won the first Annual Innovation Award for its Transitional Care Program – managed by Charter Healthcare Group – that aims to curtail re-admission rates among members recently discharged from the hospital, while also striving to cut their use of the emergency department.

The Innovation Award, awarded by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), honors creative interventions by Medi-Cal health plans looking to improve the quality of healthcare for its members. Eight other Medi-Cal health plans competed for the award. IEHP's entry – one of 16 nominations – underscored the home-based approach of its Transitional Care Program. The winner was selected by medical directors from DHCS and Medi-Cal health plans.

"IEHP has always been about creative, innovative programs that foster better health outcomes for our members," said Dr. Bradley Gilbert, IEHP chief executive officer. "We are honored to be recognized by DHCS for our program, which serves our members in such an effective way."

The program is the result of IEHP's partnership with Charter Healthcare Group. This home-based service reaches out and connects with at-risk members, including those who are homeless or homebound. In addition to chronic medical conditions, many have behavioral health or social issues. Most have been released recently from a hospital or have made frequent visits to an emergency department.

The program provides these members with 24/7 access to a clinical team (including a physician, a nurse, and/or a social worker) anywhere they feel comfortable, which could be a home, hotel, park or even a fast-food outlet.

"Our members have embraced our unique ability to meet them 'where they are,' and, in fact, preliminary data already shows avoided visits to the emergency department," Gilbert said.

By inviting Medi-Cal health plans to submit nominations touting successful projects, DHCS hopes the Innovation Award will inspire the sharing of best practices.

About IEHP

IEHP, Inland Empire Health Plan, a Knox-Keene licensed health plan located in San Bernardino, California, is a not-for-profit public agency. IEHP services San Bernardino and Riverside counties and has more than 1.1 million members in the following programs: Medi-Cal (including seniors and persons with disabilities), IEHP DualChoice Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), a Medicare Special Needs Plan and Healthy Kids. Through a dynamic partnership with providers, award-winning service and innovative products, IEHP is fully committed to providing members with quality, accessible and wellness based healthcare services. www.iehp.org.

About Charter Healthcare Group

Charter provides home health, hospice and palliative care services for patients and families throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and parts of Los Angeles counties. By offering a full continuum of care, Charter is able to help patients even when their needs change. Its innovative approach and commitment to personalized care have earned it a reputation as a premier hospice, home health, and palliative care provider in the community. For more, go to charterhealthcaregroup.org.

SOURCE IEHP

Related Links

https://www.iehp.org/