SuperCare bets on future

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. - At a time when many HME providers are scaling back support, SuperCare Health has harnessed technology to develop a high-touch patient care model.

As part of its SuperCare Health iBreathe COPD Program, the provider has deployed an app to monitor COPD patients, including their medication management, ER visits, patient satisfaction and biometric data.

“We believe it's a differentiator for growth and positive outcomes for patients,” said John Cassar, CEO.

SuperCare's investment is paying off. In August, the provider reduced hospital readmissions for its COPD patients to more than 80% below the national average.

Patients enrolled in the 30-day readmission program complete surveys and obtain education directly through the app on iPads provided by SuperCare. Such close monitoring of patients allows the provider to make adjustments to patient care quickly, said Cassar.

“We've seen a significant change in therapy by increasing liter flow or putting the patient on corticosteroids,” he said. “Changes in therapy and medical condition is critical, and it really improves patient care and satisfaction throughout the process.”

Cassar acknowledges that the 40-year-old SuperCare, which has 330 employees and 16 locations in California, is fortunate to have the size and scale to develop such a high-tech, high-touch model for patient care. The provider was able to leverage its existing IT and clinical staff to develop new software and apps, and integrate them across the system.

“This allows more flexibility of customizing how we manage our patients, which ultimately increasing efficiencies and revenues,” he said. “”More and more, we've been able to win bids and managed care contracts, and increase market share.”

SuperCare is already doing development work to expand its program to patients with CHF, and eventually to those with diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. In the next three to five years, Cassar hopes to be able to participate in bundled payments or shared savings programs.

“You have to be able to bet on the future of care management, and to do that, you have to take a risk,” he said. “We decided to put a lot of money upfront in the long-term future of the industry and SuperCare to manage the patient.”