In modern healthcare, the focus is increasingly shifting towards holistic patient care that extends beyond hospital walls. One critical aspect is hospital discharge planning. This phase is pivotal in ensuring patients transition smoothly back to their homes or care facilities, minimizing the risk of readmissions and improving overall health outcomes.
One vital player in this process is non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers. Collaborating with NEMT services significantly enhances post-discharge outcomes, ensuring patients receive the care and support they need beyond hospitalization.
The Importance of Post-Discharge Care
Patients who have undergone medical procedures or are recovering from illnesses may not be fit to drive themselves home. Experienced NEMT providers offer hospital discharge planning services that involve trained professionals, including experienced nurses, who are familiar with handling patients requiring special assistance or medical monitoring during transportation, ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
It’s an important issue because patients often face various challenges upon discharge, including transportation barriers. These challenges can lead to medication non-adherence and ultimately, hospital readmissions. Nearly 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, costing billions annually, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Effective post-discharge care is essential not only for improving patient well-being but also for reducing healthcare costs and alleviating the burden on healthcare systems.
The Role of NEMT Providers in Hospital Discharging Plan
NEMT providers play a crucial role in addressing transportation barriers, and ensuring patients return home safely and have access to essential healthcare services post-discharge. These providers offer specialized transportation services for individuals who are unable to use conventional means of transportation due to medical conditions or disabilities.
By collaborating with hospitals and healthcare facilities, NEMT providers can bridge the gap between healthcare services and patients’ homes. For example, Flying Angels coordinates hospital discharge transportation for transferring patients from their homes or to another care facility.
In situations where flying is involved, hiring a non-emergency medical transport service is often the right move. They provide a service that includes making all travel arrangements, including ground transportation, navigating the airport, and flight reservations.
The Benefits of Including NEMT in a Hospital Discharge Plan
Building a strong relationship with NEMT providers can yield significant benefits for both patients and healthcare institutions. Reliable transportation ensures patients travel safely, and in a much less-stressful way, back home. Timely pick-up and drop-off, coupled with a comfortable ride experience, contribute to a positive patient experience.
Improved adherence to treatment plans and follow-up appointments can also lead to lower overall healthcare costs. Effective communication in healthcare also ensures smoother transitions between healthcare settings and improves care continuity.
Including NEMT in a hospital discharge plan also provides clear communication and standardized processes that minimize scheduling errors and delays.
The Future of Hospital Discharge Planning
An increasing number of healthcare providers are including NEMT services as part of their hospital discharge plan. Some are exploring strategic partnerships with NEMT companies to provide patient transportation home from the hospital, including addressing the needs of specific patient populations with complex needs.
Collaboration between healthcare providers and NEMT services is essential to ensure seamless transitions and improve post-discharge outcomes. By prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging the expertise of NEMT providers, healthcare organizations can enhance the quality of care delivery and ultimately improve the health and well-being of their patients.
Healthcare options are expanding and the need for specialized services is on the rise. One area that continues to gain popularity is hiring a medical escort to accompany patients on commercial flights. Whether it’s traveling with an elderly family member who is relocating or ensuring a safe journey for a patient with special medical needs, medical escorts play a crucial role in providing personalized assistance.
If you’re considering hiring a medical escort, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Here are some top questions to help ensure you make the most of the benefits of a medical escort.
Qualifications and Training
Start by understanding the medical escort’s qualifications and training. Quality non-emergency medical transport companies (NEMT) will have high standards for their nurses to become a medical escort. Ask about their medical background, certifications and any specialized training they have undergone. A reputable medical escort should have relevant healthcare experience, CPR certification and knowledge of handling different medical conditions while in the air.
Experience with Specific Medical Conditions
Inquire about the medical escort’s experience with specific medical conditions relevant to your loved one. Whether it’s mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or post-surgery care, ensuring that the escort is familiar with the particular needs of the patient is crucial for a smooth and safe experience.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is crucial in healthcare. Observe how the medical escort conveys information, ensuring they communicate clearly and attentively listen to your needs. Their ability to provide emotional support and establish a rapport is a testament to their interpersonal skills, essential for a comforting and secure experience.
Availability and Flexibility
Understand the medical escort’s availability and flexibility. Determine whether they can accommodate the schedule of doctor’s appointments, treatments or any other medical requirements your loved one may have. Flexibility is essential, especially when dealing with unpredictable healthcare situations.
Transportation and Mobility Assistance
Ensure comprehensive support for your loved one by discussing their specific mobility needs. A key aspect to consider is the capability of the medical escort, especially an RN Flight Coordinator, to manage all aspects of your journey. This includes not just personal assistance but also coordinating with airlines and airports for seamless travel arrangements. For a complete travel solution that covers every detail, learn more about how an RN Flight Coordinator can completely manage your trip, ensuring a stress-free experience for both the patient and their family.
Emergency Protocols
Emergencies can happen, and it’s crucial to know how the medical escort manages them. Ask about their emergency protocols, including how they would respond to a medical crisis, contact emergency services and communicate with family members. Knowing that the escort is prepared for any situation adds an extra layer of security.
References and Reviews
Request references from previous clients or check for online reviews. Hearing about the experiences of others who have used the services of the medical escort can provide valuable insights into their professionalism, reliability, and overall performance. Here’s an example of what an online reputation should look like for an industry-leading medical escort service.
Costs and Payment Terms
Discuss the costs associated with hiring a medical escort and inquire about the payment terms. Understanding the financial aspect in detail will help you plan accordingly and avoid any misunderstandings.
Contract and Terms of Service
Before finalizing the arrangement, ensure that all terms of service are clearly outlined in a written contract. This should include details about responsibilities, expectations, fees and any other relevant information. Having a formal agreement in place protects both parties and ensures a transparent working relationship.
Hiring a medical escort involves careful consideration and thorough questioning. By addressing these key areas and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes the well-being and safety of your loved one.
When managing health, some people require the support of professional care providers who plan and coordinate their care. Both case managers and care managers play key roles in providing such care, but in different ways.
Understanding the difference between case manager vs. care manager is necessary to make the proper choice on the type of care you need for yourself or a loved one who requires the help of a professional care provider. This includes those who need support in day-to-day life at home or customized care for coordinating plans and accompanying people when they travel.
Differences and Similarities With Case Manager vs. Care Manager
For those researching the type of care they need, the choice between case manager vs. care manager might provide a roadblock. It’s confusing to many. While the two share some similarities, they have key differences. The following provides an overview of both.
Who Is a Case Manager?
A case manager is often called a nurse case manager. The term “case management” has been around much longer than care management. It refers to healthcare professionals, typically nurses, who coordinate the overall care for patients.
In most situations, a case manager works directly for a healthcare facility, such as a clinic, hospital, or outpatient care facility. The American Case Management Association for example is a professional community of care management professionals who provide care for people in many different situations and with a wide range of services.
The Nursing Case Management Review and Resource Manual refers to case managers as those who “focus on care coordination, financial management and resource utilization to yield cost-effective outcomes that are patient-centric, safe and provided in the least restrictive setting.”
Case manager duties may include the following.
Developing a recovery time frame and monitoring its progress
Providing advice to clients and their families on critical decisions
Making the recovery process more efficient, including building relationships with other medical professionals
Providing healthcare-related financial advice to clients and their families
Encouraging a holistic approach to recovery
Monitor the patient’s emotional well-being and keeping them motivated
Who Is a Care Manager?
A care manager works individually with patients, helping to create care plans that help them through various stages of care as well as the transition between each. Organizations like the Aging Life Care Association® offer consultation, assessment, care coordination and advocacy to help individuals and their families find care managers who often work directly for the patient or with private agencies. They provide direct support to their client, taking an active role in each stage of care.
Care managers usually work with patients in their homes or during travel. They may work as a liaison between insurance and healthcare providers, managing medications and researching treatment options in addition to creating healthcare plans. Care managers, while relatively new, already have many job titles, including geriatric care managers, nurse concierge, and professional patient advocate.
Typical tasks of a care manager include the following.
Visiting patients in their home regularly to assess their health and wellness progress and discuss any changes needed to their healthcare plan, medications, etc.
Assessing a client’s medical care, including its suitability and legality
Ensuring patients know their rights
Ensuring that the health plan is meeting those rights
Offering professional advice and information to patients, their caretakers and loved ones
While they have some similar job duties, knowing the differences between case managers vs. care managers can help patients and their families make the best choices on their healthcare services.
3 Traveling Healthcare Workers on Getting the COVID-19 VaccineFebruary 25, 2021 As of February 25, more than 66 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S., and just over 13 percent of the total U.S. population has received at least one...
Everyone wants to find the best seat on an airplane, but everyone has different wants and needs. Depending on your preference and situation, you can seek out a window seat for great views and the best sleeping, an aisle seat for easier access, a middle seat to get closer to the front, seats close to the exit doors for peace of mind or seats close to the bathroom (for obvious reasons).
These days, boarding a plane can become a free-for-all. Many airlines do not give out seat assignments. Finding the right seat requires having a plan. Those who don’t sometimes end up being featured on those YouTube videos about angry airplane passengers.
You don’t want to be one of those people! Consider these suggestions before you even get to the airport and have a plan before you board.
Choosing the Window Seat
This is the first choice of many. That’s why these seats fill up fast. They are great for the obvious reason – you get a view out the plane. Another advantage is that you can use a hoodie or jacket for a pillow and lay your head against the inside wall of the plane. That’s one of the best in-flight sleep positions you can find. If you want a window seat because of the view, just make sure you don’t pick one that’s over one of the wings. Avoid choosing a window seat that’s directly over the wing of the plane. Seats over the wings offer restricted views, which defeats one of the primary pleasures of choosing a window seat. Moreover, the wing area can sometimes be noisier and may slightly affect the smoothness of your ride, especially during turbulence, as this section of the plane tends to be more stable but also less sensitive to minor altitude shifts, which can dampen the overall flying experience for those keen on feeling the ascent and descent.
Choosing the Aisle Seat
Aisle seats are often sought after for their convenience, despite their reputation for leaving passengers more exposed to passing traffic and service carts. If you’re someone who may need to stretch regularly, make frequent trips to the bathroom, or simply appreciate easier access to exit the plane upon landing, an aisle seat is ideal. For those who are injured, ill, or just want to rest undisturbed, securing a spot away from the main walkways, such as behind a divider or in a bulkhead row, can minimize the chances of being accidentally bumped by passersby or service carts. This strategic choice enhances comfort without sacrificing the accessibility benefits of the aisle seat.
Choosing a Seat Near a Bathroom
If you suspect you’ll need to make frequent bathroom trips, then an aisle seat near the front or the back of the plane puts you where you want to be. Choosing a seat near the bathroom is particularly advantageous for those with small children, anyone who anticipates needing to change clothes during the flight, or travelers with medical conditions that require frequent restroom use. However, be aware that these areas might be noisier and sometimes gather lines during high-usage times of the flight, such as after meals and just before landing. Opting for an aisle seat near the bathroom combines convenience with a little more legroom and ease of movement.
Choosing the Middle Seat
Who would choose the middle seat? You would, if you’re a relatively small or thin person who wants to sit near the front and be among the first people off the plane. The middle seats are often the last ones taken. You’ll be surprised to find how easy it is to find a middle seat near the front, even if you are among the last group to get on a plane. The middle seat might not be everyone’s first choice, but it offers unexpected benefits such as being typically available even on nearly full flights, providing a chance to secure a seat even with late bookings. Additionally, for those traveling in groups, selecting the middle seat often means you can sit adjacent to your companions, making communication and coordination during the flight easier.
Which Seat to Choose If You’re Injured or Impaired
Those flying with injuries or physical impairment should always call ahead and make arrangements with the airline. They will usually find the best seat for you (typically at or near the front). Make sure to arrive earlier than usual. You’ll want a seat that allows you the most room possible. You also can’t sit in the exit row. And you want to be near the bathroom to lessen the distance you must move if you need to make a bathroom trip. A smart move is to call a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation company, which not only can set all of this up for you but also have a nurse fly with you.
Other Tips
When choosing your seat, whether in advance or on the plane, consider these practical tips to enhance your comfort and flight experience:
Seat Selection Strategy: If you’re booking your seat in advance, take advantage of seat maps to choose the best available spot based on your preferences. If you’re selecting your seat on the plane, like with some airlines that offer open seating, quickly assess the environment. Aim for quieter areas away from large groups or families with small children when possible.
Engage in Quiet Activities: Bring a book, e-reader, or other personal entertainment to gently signal to others that you’re not open to chatting. This can help you maintain a quiet space around you, making the journey more relaxing.
Dress Appropriately: Airplanes can get chilly, so dressing in layers allows you to adjust your comfort level as the cabin temperature changes. Consider a lightweight sweater or a scarf that can double as a blanket.
Seat Recline Awareness: While you can’t always control whether the person in front of you will recline their seat, choosing seats in rows that are behind exit rows or in front of bulkheads can guarantee that no one will recline into your space. These spots are often more stable and offer a bit more legroom.
Remember, the key to a pleasant flight often lies in preparation and flexibility. With a thoughtful approach to selecting your seat and preparing for your travel environment, you can significantly improve your in-flight experience.
