Intermountain Health’s Care at Home program reaches 1,000 patients

SALT LAKE CITY — A major milestone in healthcare was reached right here in Utah in December. Intermountain Health reached 1,000 patients in their new Hospital-Level Care at Home program and said it’s bringing many benefits to patients.

Intermountain Health said the program reached the milestone over the course of several years, having started in May of 2020.

“We’re really excited to be at the forefront of this new model of care,” said Dr. Nathan Starr, medical director of home services for Castell and Intermountain Health’s tele-hospitalist program.

The program allows patients to leave hospitals earlier and continue care at home while still accessing the equipment and medical expertise. So far, Starr said they’ve seen very good outcomes.

“You heal better in your own home. You’re around your pets. You’re in your own bed. There are just so many advantages of actually being at home.”

Also, this allows hospitals the space for new patients. Hospitals are getting very full and often overcrowded. 

The program allows doctors to continue care while also freeing up beds. Additionally, Intermountain Health said care at home is more affordable than an extended stay in the hospital.

“We have an opportunity to revolutionize care in a way that we move away from the hospital as the center of care and move towards the home,” said Starr.

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