New Jersey is one of 19 states to use the Family Connects model, allowing nurses to visit new mothers and babies for free one week after being released from the hospital. Nurses check on the health of both patients, consult other family members and provide families with resources, such as breastfeeding help, mental health support and food or housing assistance. The program costs about $700 per family but reduced emergency room visits for newborns and mothers, reduces postpartum depression, anxiety and incidents of child abuse, according to the report.
New Jersey will expand the program to six counties, which has already helped about 1,300 new mothers. As of March, 1 in 10 visits resulted in an emergency room visit for either the mom or baby.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
