American Specialty Health Launches Innovative Site-of-Care Program for Affordable Outpatient Therapy

In a groundbreaking move aimed at reducing healthcare costs while maintaining high-quality service, American Specialty Health (ASH) has recently launched a new Site-of-Care program. This initiative focuses on providing a more affordable option for outpatient physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) without compromising clinical excellence.

What is the Site-of-Care Program?

The Site-of-Care program is designed to help health plans deliver cost-effective PT/OT services for their members. By guiding consumers to high-quality, in-network outpatient therapy providers at reduced costs, ASH aims to save patients up to 35% on their therapy costs. This initiative aligns with ASH's commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.

According to George DeVries, the CEO and President of ASH, “We are dedicated to creating innovative solutions that achieve affordable healthcare without sacrificing quality.” His vision for the program is to offer a practical pathway for members seeking therapy in a manner that suits their financial as well as clinical needs.

Savings on a National Scale

A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open asserts that moving suitable cases to alternative care sites could potentially save the U.S. health system more than $110 billion annually. The Site-of-Care program thus serves not only individual patients but also contributes to broader economic efficiency in healthcare delivery.

The Process of Redirection

Through the Site-of-Care program, health plans can leverage clinical policies to make informed decisions regarding the most suitable location for therapy services. Patients may be redirected from traditional hospital outpatient programs to cost-effective PT/OT clinics or virtual providers. All redirection decisions are peer-reviewed by qualified physical and occupational therapists who evaluate medical policies and each patient’s specific situation to ensure the best possible outcomes.

ASH provides support throughout this transition process, known as 'white-glove service,' to ensure that members seamlessly shift from hospital-based outpatient therapy to more affordable in-network service options. ASH takes on the responsibility of coordinating scheduling and providing continuous support, aiding members through the recovery process.

Enhanced Member Experience

ASH prioritizes a concierge level of service for both health plans and their members. DeVries emphasizes that the focus is not only on reducing costs for health plans but also on enhancing the patient experience. By connecting members with the most appropriate care options and aiding in scheduling, ASH ensures that therapy can continue without interruption. Moreover, patients reap rewards through lower out-of-pocket expenses, as their copayments are generally lower when using in-network providers.

Conclusion

The introduction of American Specialty Health's Site-of-Care program represents a significant step towards reining in the rising costs of physical and occupational therapy services in the U.S. healthcare system. By using innovative technology and extensive networks of providers, ASH is working diligently to ensure that quality healthcare is within reach for all members while promoting economic efficiency in the system.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, ASH remains steadfast in its mission to make health care better, simpler, and more affordable for everyone. To learn more about ASH and their offerings, visit ASHCompanies.com.