Health Disparities Affect Residents Throughout Tennessee Who Find Inequities To Accessing Basic Health

Guideway Care president, Greer Myers, recently contributed to Nashville Medical Newswith an article discussing the benefits of a unique solution to patient activation, and how this approach uncovers patient issues stemming from social determinants of health (SDoH). This article can be accessed and viewed in its entirety here.

In the quest to provide every Tennessee resident the opportunity to live a healthy life, it appears not all Tennesseans have access to quality and affordable health care. Conditions in the places where Tennessee residents live, learn, work and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.

These conditions are known as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Improving health disparities associated with SDoH reduces risks of unnecessary utilization and achieves better outcomes. Integrating and aligning care solutions with state and regional hospitals and community-based partners and providers has the potential to improve the health as well as lowering care management expenses and total cost of care.

Health equity not only strengthens the fabric of communities, but also grows the state’s economic position. Diminishing the incidence and progression of diseases impacts individual productivity and yields a healthier workforce. Communities that understand and respond to health disparities benefit both individual and population health.

Validating Results: High-Touch, Tech-Enabled Care Guides Resolve Barriers to Accessing Health Care

Improvements attributed to their Care Guide program were measured by value-based metrics validating the role of non-clinical interventions in reducing unnecessary utilization, improving patient care adherence, advancing health equity and enhancing patient experience. Readmissions were decreased by 32%, among five specific DX conditions.

This health system also regarded Care Guides as an important part of their organization’s efforts to improve their HCAHPS scores — the first national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives of hospital care. Furthermore, health systems enjoy reduced and even eliminated readmission penalties as well as a strengthened reputation in their community.

Guiding the Future of Health Care

A care guidance solution requires collaboration with like-minded partners dedicated to improving health and welfare for entire communities. As your partner, Guidewaydelivers on the promise of health equity.

Please contact us if you have questions or need support. For more information on Guideway Care and to view our selection of case studies and white papers.