#USA #San Diego #American Specialty Health #Home Therapy Services #Mobile Therapy

American Specialty Health Expands Therapy Services

American Specialty Health (ASH) has announced a significant development in its service offerings by incorporating home-based and mobile physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) into its network. This initiative, which began in April, aims to improve accessibility and convenience for members of health plans, allowing them to receive therapy in a setting more aligned with their daily lives.

With this enhancement, ASH not only emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care but also acknowledges the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. The shift towards providing services in non-traditional settings represents a growing trend where healthcare providers strive to meet patients where they are, integrating treatment into their routine activities.

A Significant Milestone

George DeVries, President and CEO of ASH, stated that this expansion signifies a critical step in creating a comprehensive national PT/OT program. By extending care from clinical environments into homes and communities, ASH is aligning more closely with the real-life situations of its members. This innovative approach facilitates access to care while ensuring that clinical standards and oversight remain consistent throughout the network.

ASH’s enhanced service delivery model builds upon an existing network of over 80,000 contracted physical and occupational therapists across the nation. The introduction of home-based and mobile services allows ASH to extend its reach and offer therapy sessions in a variety of settings, such as:

• - Member’s homes
• - Educational institutions
• - Homeless shelters
• - Gyms and fitness centers
• - Senior living communities
• - Assisted living facilities
• - Workplaces
• - Other accessible locations

This thoughtful expansion aims to provide tailored care that reflects the functional activities of the patients' daily lives, reflecting a profound understanding of modern therapy’s role in rehabilitation and wellness.

Distinctions from Traditional Home Healthcare

ASH clarifies that its model diverges from conventional home healthcare services, which primarily cater to patients confined to their homes. Instead, ASH empowers health plans to offer outpatient PT/OT services in various suitable environments when it is deemed clinically appropriate. This flexibility enables members to schedule appointments according to their routines, making it easier than ever to access necessary therapy services.

Dr. Jaynie Bjornaraa, ASH's Senior Vice President of Clinical Quality Evaluation, highlighted the model's effectiveness in mirroring real-world movements and functions. This focus on practicality in therapy underscores the shift towards patient-focused care, reinforcing ASH’s commitment to supporting their members effectively.

The Benefits of ASH’s New Model

Members can now take advantage of a home-based and mobile PT/OT network that prioritizes care in real-world settings. Dr. Bjornaraa notes, "Our services enhance relevance and continuity of care by adapting to where patients are physically and emotionally. This ensures that we meet them not just in clinics but also in their homes and communities."

This innovative network is designed to provide:

• - Enhanced accessibility for members
• - Patient-centered care that aligns with daily functions
• - Consistency in national standards and practices
• - Unified, flexible solutions for diverse groups
• - Economic healthcare options for members

DeVries remarked that ASH’s comprehensive solution merges in-office, home-based, and mobile therapy, coupled with digital and virtual support options. This multifaceted approach significantly diminishes barriers to access, empowering patients with the choice of where and how they receive care, ultimately ensuring they receive the right, evidence-based treatment.

For more information on ASH’s comprehensive ecosystem, visit the Clinical Solutions page on their website.

About American Specialty Health

Founded in 1987, ASH is a leading HealthTech organization focused on musculoskeletal (MSK) wellness solutions. With a commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability, ASH operates a comprehensive national provider network that includes over 129,000 specialists. These include various healthcare professionals offering integrated clinical and fitness programs and innovative digital solutions. Recognized for their excellence, ASH serves over 62 million members and has been consistently listed among America's fastest-growing private companies.

To learn more about American Specialty Health’s offerings, visit ASHCompanies.com or contact their media representative for further details.