Discover How Orlando Health Network is Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation and Expansion

Orlando Health has made great strides in building a strong network of around 8,000 healthcare providers across Florida. Recently, they have expanded their reach into Alabama and Puerto Rico. Brandon Burket, the vice president of value-based care and population health, discussed some exciting new programs for 2024.

Burket describes the network’s governance as primarily physician-led. While there are non-physicians on the board, most members are doctors. They focus on various committees that tackle issues like clinical pathways and data sharing, ensuring that both clinical and operational needs are met.

Orlando Health is also making waves by using the Value-Based Performance Management (VBPM) module within Epic, a popular electronic health record system. This module improves how they analyze patient data and manage care. With a team of about 100, they oversee 340,000 patients, focusing on those who need help the most. Understanding patient care trends and monitoring outcomes is crucial for effective population health management.

Despite the challenges posed by having over 80 different electronic medical records (EMRs) in their network, Orlando Health has developed solutions to help providers. They offer tools that integrate with these systems, allowing doctors to access patient insights directly when caring for them. Additionally, providers can view real-time Epic records to stay updated on their patients’ care while hospitalized.

One of their flagship programs is the Support Team for Aftercare and Resources (STAR) Outpatient Centers. This initiative provides essential transitional care after patients leave the hospital. Doctors and care coordinators work as a team, focusing on both clinical and non-clinical needs. For instance, they help patients tackle logistical issues, like transportation to follow-up visits, which often leads to readmissions.

In STAR, patients get prompt post-hospitalization appointments with a team that includes a physician, a nurse, a pharmacist, and a care coordinator. These consultations last about an hour, allowing comprehensive care that considers various patient needs. After launching, STAR achieved a readmission rate significantly lower than the system average, showcasing the impact of such dedicated support.

The medication disease management program also targets patients requiring complex medication regimes. This initiative emphasizes a hands-on approach, ensuring patients receive the necessary support for managing high-cost medications. The interdisciplinary team meets with patients to optimize their medication plans, leading to both cost savings and improved health outcomes.

Orlando Health recently partnered with InnovAge to introduce the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This program focuses on vulnerable elderly individuals, offering them comprehensive care in a supportive environment. The PACE center, designed to feel more like a community space than a medical facility, provides various services, including primary care, dental, and mental health support. It’s a free service for participants, ensuring they can receive care without the burden of transportation costs.

To further enhance patient care, Orlando Health has launched a team of practice support specialists for primary care. This service helps streamline patient appointments by reaching out prior to appointments to gather important information. This approach reduces the administrative burden on physicians, allowing them to spend more time with patients. By saving an average of 12 minutes per appointment, they’ve been able to increase the number of daily patient slots available.

This proactive and patient-centered approach has led to higher levels of satisfaction among patients and providers alike, proving the effectiveness of these initiatives within the Orlando Health network.