For the Uninsured in Memphis, a Stronger Safety Net

Authors
Bara L. Vaida
Case Example
September 2019

This resource describes a new model that moves high-need patients out of the emergency department and into a network of social supports.

  • Regional One Health, a large health system in Tennessee, has built established a program called ONE Health that combines data analysis and community connections and is led by a team of nurse leaders experienced in complex care.
  • The ONE Health team identifies eligible patients, facilitates care coordination, connects them to social services, and then moves them to a place where they can care for themselves.
  • An important part of the model is developing “authentic healing relationships,” in which a health provider develops a secure and genuine connection with a patient.

Among a set of high utilizers, the program reduced uninsured ED visits by 68.8 percent, inpatient admissions by 75.4 percent, and lengths-of-stay by 78.6 percent—saving $7.49 million over a 15-month period.

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