In a landmark move for New Jersey health care, Virtua Health officially launched the state’s first licensed Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. The initiative allows paramedics and EMTs to provide non-emergency, preventive care and chronic disease management directly in a patient’s home.
The launch follows a collaborative effort between Virtua and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to establish the state’s first-ever comprehensive regulations governing the licensure and operation of MIH programs.
Unlike traditional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that focus on rapid transit to a hospital, MIH is designed to bring the hospital’s expertise to the patient. The goal is to provide early intervention, manage chronic illnesses, and reduce avoidable emergency room visits.
“Mobile Integrated Health is transformational,” Dennis Pullin, president and CEO of Virtua Health said. “It will fill critical gaps in care, leading to better health, fewer hospital visits, and a healthier population with a better quality of life across our region.”
How it works:
- Referral-Based: A Virtua health care provider must refer a patient to the program.
- 24/7 Availability: The program is staffed by approximately 35 care providers and a dedicated fleet of five vehicles.
- Rapid Response: Clinicians can request an MIH home visit within timeframes ranging from one hour up to 48 hours.
The MIH program acts as a “safety net” for patients navigating complex care plans or transitions from the hospital to home.
James Newman, Virtua’s vice president of Patient Logistics, noted that the program is particularly vital for patients with chronic conditions. “For a patient with chronic lung disease who develops a new cough, MIH can provide an in-home assessment and treatment, preventing the symptoms from escalating into a crisis that requires hospitalization,” Newman explained.
The program also provides:
- Structured Follow-Up: Real-time support for patients whose recovery plans have stalled.
- Transition Support: Assistance after emergency room visits or outpatient surgeries.
- Barrier Resolution: Identifying social or physical hurdles that prevent patients from following their care plans.
In the coming months, Virtua plans to integrate MIH with its Medication for Addiction Treatment Program. Working with NJ MATTERS, paramedics will provide home-based follow-up and physician-directed treatment for individuals recovering from opioid overdoses to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Additionally, MIH will serve as an adjunct to Virtua Home Health Care, offering clinical assessments between scheduled nursing visits to ensure continuity of care.
Virtua has established itself as a pioneer in home-based medical services. In 2022, it was the first in the state to launch Hospital at Home, and it continues to operate robust Care After Discharge and Home Health services.
“NJDOH and the Sherrill Administration worked swiftly to review and approve our application, bringing this lifesaving model to our communities in a matter of weeks,” Cort Adelman, Virtua’s vice president of Government and External Affairs said. He noted that the program is expected to lower overall healthcare costs and create new specialized employment opportunities for EMS professionals.
