Becomes 2nd ACHC accredited Behavioral Home Health Agency in the U.S.
Pittsburgh, PA – One in five adults over the age of 65 suffer from mental health, and the numbers continue to rise in the US. Depression can cause increased risk of dementia and heart attacks, leading to other major effects such as deterioration of life and affordable, quality health care. In efforts to make an impact, ViaQuest has partnered with distinguished psychiatrist, Dr. Mehta, to pioneer a Mobile Treatment Team to help those most in need. Their goal; to reduce the number of hospital admissions, ease costs and improve care quality by providing hands-on care to patients in long term care, skilled nursing facilities or at home.
ViaQuest is only the second agency in the nation to become an accredited ACHC Behavioral Health Home Health Agency. This accreditation allows staff to provide the highest level of psychiatric care, while addressing chronic physical health issues as well. The program is led by Mehta and his specialized team of psych nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners and certified home health-aids who work around the clock to help prevent hospital admissions.
“The goal is to reduce the risk of hospitalization in the psych unit,” Mehta proclaimed. “We are dedicated, and we are committed. The ViaQuest nursing staff is very loyal and committed. They are exemplary; they go the extra miles. We provide the services that I don’t think anyone else would ever even think about providing.”
In the past five years, the Mobile Treatment Team has expanded to over 25 locations and homes, reflecting positive results in quality of life and economic impact:
- A pilot project showed significant decrease when only 5 of 98 patients resulted in readmission.
- A typical daily hospital rate averages at $800. The same treatment, in a skilled facility, averages at $250 a day. Over a period of 10 days, the savings is nearly $5,500.
- Clinicians trained in Geriatric Psychiatry see patients weekly, versus the typical once a month.
- The process for changes in medication, if needed, occurs in a much timelier manner.
- Acute problems no longer have to result in a hospital visit; they are handled within 24 hours.
- The nurses are specialized in behavioral health.
- Decreased Psychotropic medication usage in skilled units is dropping from 40% to 17%
- Declining number of hospitalizations, falls and restraint usage in the facilities.
- ViaQuest strategically partners with facilities to help with costs even if they aren’t seeing their patients. The ACHC accreditation makes for good standing with insurance companies.
- Medicare and some commercial insurance accepted.
“We are in touch with the families and they appreciate so much that their loved one does not have to be in the hospital,” said Mehta. “Quality of life has significantly improved in those patients and they can function much more safely. I love it, I love to take care of older folks –that is why I’m still doing it.”
