Tampa General Hospital patients will now be able to stay within the hospital’s network for their home care.
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is entering into a partnership with home health agency, Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), with the goal to improve the quality of home care for its patients.
VNA has been providing home health services in Florida since 1976 and has served Tampa General patients for more than two decades.
“Our team has a deep understanding of the diverse and complex needs those patients of a Level 1 Trauma Center may have,” Jennifer Crow, CEO of VNA said in a statement. “Our long-standing expertise and VNA’s mission to serve all patients with quality home health care align perfectly with Tampa General Hospital’s commitment to providing world-class care.”
The partnership, TGH Home Care powered by VNA of Florida, will provide services for Tampa General patients and other individuals in the surrounding community who need home care. The partnership will allow patients to stay within the TGH network for their care, said Adam Smith, executive vice president and chief ambulatory officer for Tampa General.
“Staying within Tampa General means our patients can make a seamless and safer transition home. They remain our patient, which means they can more easily access the combined resources of an academic medical center and an experienced home care agency, that supports improved quality, outcomes, and overall patient experience,” he said.
TGH Home Care powered by VNA of Florida will offer in-home personal care and nursing services, which include home health aides, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and medical social services.
“With electronic medical record integration, our patients will receive the benefit of continuous care coordination as they work towards regaining their independence, with caregiver and family support at home,” said Elan Melamed, senior director of ambulatory experience and operations for TGH. “This new TGH service also offers patients access to nurse navigators who can provide ongoing support as patients progress and return to the community.”
Patients in the Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, and Highlands counties will have access to TGH Home Care powered by VNA of Florida.
“Staying within Tampa General means our patients can make a seamless and safer transition home. They remain our patient, which means they can more easily access the combined resources of an academic medical center and an experienced home care agency, that supports improved quality, outcomes, and overall patient experience.”
- Adam Smith, executive vice president and chief ambulatory officer for Tampa General
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
With the partnership, Tampa General patients will be able to stay in the hospital’s network for their home health care.
The new, integrated network of services are poised to improve quality of care and patient experience.
Other individuals in the hospital’s community will have access to TGH Home Care, as well as a number of additional counties in the state.