A Quarter Century of Commitment to Health
This July, AbsoluteCare is commemorating its remarkable 25th anniversary by expanding its Baltimore center, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a healthcare leader specializing in value-based care for individuals with chronic illnesses. Founded with an emphasis on providing quality health services to marginalized communities, AbsoluteCare has continually evolved to meet the needs of those it serves.
Unwavering Mission and Growth
AbsoluteCare's journey began as an urban health center designed to address the complexities faced by underserved populations. CEO Mike Radu reflects on this growth, noting a remarkable 50% annual increase in membership over the past four years. Looking ahead, the organization is committed to rebuilding trust among the communities it serves and significantly improving their health outcomes. The company's innovative care model, known as Beyond Medicine™, embodies a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating various aspects of health and wellness.
The Beyond Medicine™ Model
At the heart of AbsoluteCare’s approach is the Beyond Medicine™ model, which combines medical care with essential support services such as behavioral health, social services, and pharmacy needs. This model aims to address root causes of health inequities that frequently arise from non-medical challenges. AbsoluteCare's structured support teams include trained social workers who assist members in accessing critical resources such as stable housing and nutritious food.
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Target Demographics:
AbsoluteCare particularly focuses on its most vulnerable members, who often face overlapping health and life challenges. Common characteristics of AbsoluteCare members include:
- Having 13 or more health diagnoses
- Managing 10 or more different medications
- 60% diagnosed with serious mental health issues
- 29% living with severe mental illness
- 14% struggling with unstable housing
This multifaceted approach has proven effective, resulting in a 50% increase in primary care visits and a 34% drop in visits to emergency departments. Overall, it has led to a 20-30% reduction in the total cost of care, showcasing the beneficial impact of proactive healthcare engagement.
Endorsements and Expert Perspectives
Supporting its innovative approach, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, lauded AbsoluteCare for redefining healthcare services for vulnerable populations. He stressed the significance of their concierge, primary care provider-led model as paramount to restoring dignity and health to members.
New Beginnings in Baltimore
The Baltimore center, located at 1040 Park Ave., Suite 200, will host celebrations for AbsoluteCare’s Silver Jubilee, highlighting its commitment to community health and well-being. Along with primary care and behavioral health services, the center provides advanced urgent care and outreach programs for low-income members with chronic conditions, emphasizing the organization's dedication to holistic and accessible healthcare.
Looking Forward
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, AbsoluteCare continues to identify and serve high-risk populations, operating across various markets in the United States. The organization remains focused on further expanding its reach and enhancing patient care through strategic partnerships and focused initiatives.
To learn more about AbsoluteCare and its ongoing efforts to promote inclusive healthcare, visit
absolutecare.com.
This anniversary not only marks a significant milestone but also the promise of continued growth and improvement in healthcare accessibility for the communities that need it most.