Lynchburg, Va.-based Centra Health is launching the area's first community paramedic program aimed at keeping patients from returning to the hospital, according to a WSET report.
When patients are discharged, Centra gives them the opportunity to participate in the program, with the hope of lowering hospital readmissions.
A paramedic will visit patients once a week for approximately four to six weeks to address their needs and provide care. The program intends to reduce ambulance use, 911 calls, emergency room visits and hospital admissions, said James Mitchell, Centra's supervisor of training education.
Four paramedics currently staff the program, which is free to Centra's patients. The health system can see about 50 to 60 patients during the four- to six-week program and estimates 300 to 350 of their patients would qualify for the program, according to Centra officials.