December 3rd, 2018 (Baltimore, MD) – The University of Maryland Quality Care Network (UMQCN), part of the University of Maryland Medical System, together with digital health coaching company Pack Health, have embarked on an initiative to support individuals with chronic disease between visits to their health care providers.
UMQCN is offering a full year of Pack Health’s digital health coaching and care coordination services to a cohort of patients. This patient cohort includes patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pack Health has integrated UMQCN’s existing patient education and support resources with their digital coaching platform. They’ve also built in a series of care escalation protocols to create a continuum of care for participants.
“These digital coaching and care coordination services fit very well with our mission to proactively participate in the management of our patients’ health,” said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, Vice President at the University of Maryland Medical System and President, UM Quality Care Network. “Through this collaboration, we are expanding our reach to meet patients where they are in an effort to improve health outcomes related to chronic disease.”
“Pack Health was designed to improve health outcomes through personalized support for health literacy and behavior change. A part of this is connecting the dots within the care team to improve patient experience and quality of care,” reflects Pack Health President Mazi Rasulnia. “With UMQCN, we have the opportunity to help deliver continuity of care. This is done in partnership with referring clinicians and on-site case managers.”
Pack Health and UMQCN worked with strategic partner Infinity Healthcare Solutions LLC to develop an implementation model through clinicians, support staff, and participating clinics’ communication channels. Since UMQCN started referring patients in August of 2018, more than 100 have engaged with digital coaches.
About Pack Health
Pack Health is a digital health coaching company that helps people access the right care and develop self-management skills to improve their health. Pack Health members work one-on-one with a nonclinical Health Advisor, online and over the phone, to address social determinants of health and achieve personal health goals. Results include higher satisfaction, better clinical outcomes, and lower total medical cost. Learn more at solutions.packhealth.com.
About University of Maryland Quality Care Network
The University of Maryland Quality Care Network (UMQCN) is an integrated network of physicians and practices focused on improving health outcomes for patients. UMQCN (http://umms.org/services/um-quality-care-network) contracts with private insurance carriers as well as government (Medicare Advantage, Medicare ACO, and Medicaid) payers and self-insured employers. Our focus is on improving quality, reducing healthcare costs and increasing both patient and provider satisfaction. This helps transition providers to a more value-based model of health care delivery.
About the University of Maryland Medical System
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland. UMMS brings innovation, discovery, and research to the care we provide. We educate the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 14 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban, and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. In addition, UMMS operates health insurance plans serving Medicare and Medicaid members. For more information, visit www.umms.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Brittney Vigna
brittney@packhealth.com
