6 keys to care for nursing home patients
EverCare, a medical managed care model for permanent nursing home residents, is centered around six components of care. EverCare is a subsidiary of Golden Valley, MN-based United Healthcare Corp. Here are its six key elements:
1. Initial assessment for new members.
A thorough physical examination, a review of medical records, and a history of medications and past therapies enable the EverCare team to develop a personalized treatment plan for each member. An initial conference is held with the caregiver and the family to discuss the treatment plan, advance directives, and any other concerns.
2. Routine patient visits.
The EverCare nurse practitioner visits members in the nursing home. The physician also makes regular visits.
3. Specialty care coordination.
Specialists such as optometrists, podiatrists, dermatologists, and psychiatrists also may make on-site visits. EverCare takes care of the authorization, referrals, payment and coordination of coverage for all specialists' services.
4. Urgent/unscheduled visits.
An EverCare nurse or physician visits ill patients outside of the routine visits, depending on the severity of the illness. EverCare coordinates and manages specialty care, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations for ill members.
5. Hospital-based case management.
When a member is hospitalized, EverCare coordinates with the hospital staff to ensure consistency in care. Then, EverCare ensures appropriate services are in place upon returning to the nursing home.
6. Communication with caregivers.
Caregivers and families are always involved in the member's treatment plan. The EverCare team is available for scheduled conferences or by phone to answer questions and concerns about the resident's medical care. *
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