New Distribution Partnership Between Medline and Alacare Focuses on Enhancing Patient Outcomes
SmartCare Program introduced to Alabama’s oldest and largest family-owned home health agency
Mundelein, Ill., March 30, 2016 – The hospital readmissions penalty currently sits at 3 percent. As a result, healthcare organizations seek innovative strategies to decrease readmission rates. To help implement a high-quality transitions management program, Alacare Home Health & Hospice, Alabama’s oldest and largest family-owned home health agency, recently launched a three-year distribution agreement with Medline that includes the distributor’s SmartCare™ Program.
Designed to increase compliance to protocols and improve patient satisfaction, SmartCare provides the tools a home health organization needs to combat the key issues causing readmissions without investing in additional technology or staff. The program makes use of a very simple call system similar to the call button patients use in a hospital setting. The system is supported by a team of more than 100 LPNs and social workers who respond to the needs of the patient on a scheduled basis, such as transportation, help with scheduling a doctor’s appointment, or pharmacy needs.
“By offering a customized program that addresses Alacare’s greatest needs, we are dedicated to adding value to their financial and clinical success,” said Bobby Ingram, regional vice president of homecare, Medline. “A program like SmartCare enhances and compliments traditional homecare and will demonstrate an improved healthcare model to referral sources by providing agency commitment to quality versus quantity.”
Through this deal, Medline will also provide a portfolio of essential medical supplies, including incontinence products like FitRight®, to Alacare’s 24 locations in Alabama.
“As a Certified Medicare healthcare provider, Alacare Home Health & Hospice continually seeks ways to provide excellent patient services while being a responsible steward of tax-payer dollars. After careful deliberation we have found Medline provides exactly what we demand for our patients – the best quality at a sound cost,” said Susan B. Brouillette, MBA, MPH, Alacare Home Health & Hospice’s CEO.
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About Medline
Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the healthcare industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., the company offers 350,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,200 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels.