Program Solves Homeless Dumping Issue for Private Hospitals

National Health Foundation


LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Health Foundation (NHF) released a report today documenting the success of the Recuperative Care Center of Los Angeles. Thirty-five Los Angeles private hospitals utilize this program to safely and appropriately discharge their homeless patients. NHF, in partnership with the Hospital Association of Southern California, began developing this program nearly five years ago in response to local outcries against hospitals' alleged patient dumping. As a solution to that crisis, Recuperative Care seeks to provide homeless patients needed medical aftercare and housing assistance while providing private hospitals a cost effective discharge solution.  

Prior to this program private hospitals lacked appropriate discharge options for their homeless patients and as a result reported keeping homeless patients up to four days longer than medically necessary.  Hospitals in Los Angeles County treat more than 18,000 homeless patients each year at a cost that contributes mightily to the more than $4 billion in uncompensated care that Los Angeles hospitals provide.

This program helps solve this issue.  Further, the program is sustainable solely by fees paid by participating private hospitals and receives no government funding.

Report Highlights:  Since its opening 22 months ago:

  • Over 500 homeless patients have been admitted from Los Angeles Private Hospitals.  
  • 67% were discharged to some form of housing option
  • Only 10% of admitted patients were readmitted to the hospital
  • Hospital savings so far are estimated at over $4 million.

The complete report can be downloaded at www.nhfca.org.



            

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