Listen to United States House Committee discussion regarding the effectiveness of home-based primary care, including the efforts of HCCI and Dr. Thomas Cornwell.
Author: Bob Braschel
July 19, 2017
Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released a statement after the reintroduction of H.R. 3262, which he co-authored with other members of congress. The bill extends the Independence at Home Medical Practice Demonstration Program (IAH) from five to seven years. IAH has proven successful in cutting costs while providing valuable increases in benefits to high-need beneficiaries. Read the full press release here:
A May 18, 2017, press release from Senator Edward J. Markey announced the Senate Finance Committee approval of the CHRONIC Care package. Among changes were the extension and expansion of the Independence at Home (IAH) Demonstration program. Specifically, the changes to the IAH program would expand the beneficiary limit to 15,000 and extended the termination date from September 30, 2017, to September 20, 2019. Also included in the changes, an IAH medical practice would have three years (instead of two under current law) to demonstrate savings before being terminated from the IAH demonstration. In response to this news, HCCI CEO Thomas Cornwell, MD stated,'”I am thankful for the continued support from Senators Markey and Wyden, and am pleased that the bill is receiving such bipartisan support. We remain optimistic that we will be able to fulfill HCCI’s mission of achieving healthcare’s Triple-Aim of developing effective, efficient approaches to home-based primary care, delivering vastly superior patient experiences, improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall cost of care.” Read all the CHRONIC Care modifications
HCCI is excited to announce that CEO Tom Cornwell, MD has been named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business for 2017. Dr. Cornwell was recognized for his work in bringing the needs of the critically ill to the national fore and collaborating with leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to find a solution. “This is such a wonderful honor,” he said. “I’m very grateful to those who have supported and continue to support our work. We know we can make a difference in the lives of so many.” Read the announcement from HCCI.
HCCI leaders, CEO Tom Cornwell, MD and Chief Medical Officer Paul Chiang, MD were featured on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” recently in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the pair’s house call practice. Reporter Brandis Friedman accompanied Dr. Chiang on his rounds, learning firsthand the difference home-based primary care makes in the lives of patients and caregivers. “You want to know whether I feel that my life has been extended. Yes I do,” said patient Grace Rorke. The report also highlighted the financial impact home-based primary care could have on the health care system, highlighting the results of a Veterans Administration study. Watch the segment.
Recent research has shown that treating low-income seniors with chronic medical conditions in their homes not only improves health outcomes but saves taxpayers money. Access to nutrition and quality housing has been proven to keep seniors out of hospitals and nursing homes while improving care. At the Association of Health Care Journalists 2017 (AHCJ 2017) meeting, HCCI CEO Tom Cornwell, MD presented at a session focused on innovative health delivery models like physician house calls, along with Sarah Szanton, PhD of Johns Hopkins, who discussed CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Seniors), along with surprising research about the role of food and nutrition in maintaining seniors’ health and independence. Thanks to The John A. Hartford Foundation for being a conference sponsor.
A September 23, 2016 article “The Doctor is In. In Your House, That Is.” features an interview with Tom Cornwell, MD and cites “growing evidence that comprehensive home medical care could be a viable alternative to the attendant woes and soaring expenses of institutional health services” for seniors, particularly those in late retirement. The article goes on to describe the increasing momentum behind the home-based medical care movement and the role Dr. Cornwell and HCCI are playing to proliferate the movement nationwide.
At its September 9, 2016 Leadership Breakfast, The Institute of Medicine of Chicago hosted HCCI CEO Thomas Cornwell, MD along with Javette Orgain, MD and John Hickner, MD of UIC’s Medical House Calls Program, Department of Family Medicine for a presentation entitled “21st Century House Calls: Improving Quality and Access to Care for Medically Complex Patients.” A large early morning gathering listened as the presenters described modern-day house calls and their value to patients, caregivers, clinicians, health systems and society, offered an overview of the Independence at Home Medicare Demonstration project and provided a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of starting a house call program. Use the links below to view the presentation slides.
21st Century House Calls: Improving Quality and Access to Care for Medically Complex Patients
Thomas Cornwell, MD
HCCI hosts the September meeting of the Chicago Network & Learning Collaborative on Thursday, September 29, 10:00am-2:00pm at Rush University Medical Center. Join your colleagues for learning and lunch as we explore the critical linkages between home-based medical care and home and community-based services and discuss the development of Home Centered Care Networks.An expert panel will present research findings and discuss the important role home and community-based care plays in our current and future healthcare system. Presenters include:
- Ruchika Rastogi – Strategy Director, West Health Institute
- Walter Rosenberg, MSW, LCSW – Associate Director and Administrator, Rush University Medical Center | Health & Aging
- Michael Gelder – Consultant; Former Policy Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn
- Norman Ryan, MD – Healthcare Consultant; Former SVP Health Intelligence, Alere Health
On Friday, July 8, experts in the home centered care arena from around the country gathered to plan the inaugural session of The House Call Project’s practice management and workforce development curriculum. The meeting focused on case presentations, topic development and implementation strategies. “We’ve taken important steps towards developing a comprehensive curriculum aimed at ensuring successful house call program development,” commented House Call Project Managing Director Cheryl Irmiter.