“There’s nothing like your home – versus anywhere else,” said David Sack, who at 79 fell and needed ten stitches in his leg.
He sought treatment at Novant Health’s New Hanover Regional Medical Center and due to underlying issues, was admitted to the hospital for a monitored recovery. Within ten minutes of being admitted, he learned that he qualified for a new program: Hospital at Home. An ambulance brought him home with all the medical supplies and equipment necessary to support his recovery in a familiar space, and the hospital even delivered the three meals a day he needed. This healthcare delivery model improves outcomes, increases patient satisfaction and, in many cases, reduces costs.
“In the middle of the night if my wife noticed a problem, she’d call the number and within seconds get a physician to talk to. Access to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, CT scanning – the whole thing was just like clockwork,” Sack said.
This scene, unfolding in homes across the Carolinas and nationwide, represents real progress in patient-centered care. Hospital at Home programs deliver acute inpatient treatment in patients' residences for conditions that traditionally required hospitalization. For patients with well-defined care needs – such as those with pneumonia, heart failure, or cellulitis – this approach has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness.
Despite its challenges, our shared response to the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of programs like Hospital at Home. Emergency waivers enable health systems to expand home-based hospital care and allow for Medicare reimbursement for these services. Patients report higher satisfaction, experience fewer complications and recover in familiar surroundings.
Unfortunately, this progress is at risk if Congress does not act before the end of the year. The Medicare waivers that enable these programs are temporary, creating uncertainty for patients and their clinicians. Without permanent legislation to support programs like Hospital at Home, many Americans will lose access to at-home care.
Dr. Mary Rudyk, who has treated patients in both traditional hospital settings and through Hospital at Home programs, observes the distinction clearly. "In their home environment, patients often recover more quickly. They sleep better, maintain mobility, and stay oriented to their surroundings. Family members can be more engaged in their care, which improves outcomes and reduces readmission rates."
The benefits extend beyond patient experience. Programs like Hospital at Home help address hospital capacity constraints, reduce exposure to illness, and frequently demonstrate cost advantages over traditional inpatient stays. For health systems managing bed availability and staffing challenges, these programs offer a sustainable solution that helps ensure access to quality care.
Federal leaders must act to preserve and expand advancements in patient care. Healthcare providers need certainty to make long-term investments in Hospital at Home programs, including technology infrastructure, staff training and the development of care delivery systems. Without permanent Medicare recognition and a consistent reimbursement framework, these innovative programs may be scaled back or discontinued.
The choice is clear: we can advance healthcare delivery by supporting proven innovations like Hospital at Home or revert to fewer people having access to this kind of care. For Mr. Sack and thousands like him, the option to receive hospital-level care at home means a better patient experience.
As clinicians, we’ve seen the value of programs like Hospital at Home through improved recoveries, enhanced family support systems, and better patient experiences. Now we need policymakers to act to ensure these programs are available in our communities.
To learn more about Hospital at Home programs or join efforts to support permanent legislation, contact our Public Policy Solutions team at publicpolicysolutions@novanthealth.org.
