Hackensack Alliance ACO Leads the Way in Healthcare Innovation

Following a successful pilot at Hackensack University Medical Center, in which avoidable readmissions were significantly reduced, HackensackAlliance Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Health Recovery Solutions (HRS). Patients at high risk for congestive heart failure will be provided a 4G tablet, preloaded with comprehensive guidance on a healthy lifestyle and personalized medication instructions, along with instructional videos and individualized care plans, to assist them in avoiding readmission during the critical 30-day post-discharge period. Patients will utilize the tablet to record and transmit progress to their care teams. Data on medication compliance, vitals, physical activity and any side effects they may be experiencing will be recorded and shared. The interactive tablet addresses multiple common causes of readmission and aims to increase not only quality of care, but overall patient satisfaction with the post-discharge experience.

When HRS, HackensackAlliance ACO and HackensackUMC launched the multidisciplinary pilot in January 2013, both CNN Money and Fox Business News recognized the timeliness and innovation of the program along with the outstanding benefits to both hospitals and patients.  Heart Failure APN and Outpatient VAD Coordinator, Nancy Elmann, praises the program for reducing readmissions and improving patient lifestyles. 

Similarly, one of the first ACO patients to receive the tablet said itkept her motivated and organized. The reminders were very helpful. The patient wasn’t readmitted and was thankful to be part of the program.

In taking this step, HackensackAlliance ACO has furthered its standing as one of the most progressive ACOs in New Jersey.  Hackensack ACO’s navigators are excited to be able to provide this new type of care and are working with HRS to extend this platform to patients dealing with COPD and diabetes.

Director of the ACO, Denise Patriaco notes, “Our navigators’ commitment to deliver the best possible care to their patients, coupled with HRS’ platform, makes me very excited about these initiatives to reduce readmissions. We are consistently trying to learn what is effective for keeping patients healthy while empowering them to manage their own healthcare. We think we have found a good partner in HRS to do just that.”

About Hackensack University Medical Center
HackensackUMC, a nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. It is the flagship hospital of the Hackensack University Health Network, one of the largest health networks in the state comprised of 1,140 beds, nearly 10,000 employees and 2,200 credentialed physicians.HackensackUMC was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey and one of the top three New York metro area hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital rankings for 2013-14. It also received 10 national rankings in: Cancer; Cardiology & Heart Surgery; Ear, Nose & Throat; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Urology; and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital ranked as one of the Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the 2013-14 Best Children’s Hospitals list. HackensackUMC is among Healthgrades® America’s Best 100 Hospitals in 10 different areas – more than any other hospital in the nation, is one of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals™ for seven years in a row, and received the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ 11 years in a row. The medical center has also been named a Leapfrog Top Hospital, and received 19 Gold Seals of Approval™ by the Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence. HackensackUMC is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls, and remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events. To learn more, visit: www.HackensackUMC.org.   

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