Texas Health Care at Home uses technology to connect with patients in the comfort of their homes.
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How do I qualify for this program?
To be in the program, you will need a home for us to bring your equipment and technology. Your home must be one consistent address during the program. You also need a caretaker. A caretaker is a loved one or someone who can help take care of you while you are home.*
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Who will need to visit my home?
Most of your visits will be through video call. However, you will have some in-person visits from your care team members. You will also have a team member come to your home to install/remove your equipment or technology. Any visits to your home will be scheduled and you will know about them ahead of time.
If you are expecting an in-person visit, please make sure:
- All animals are behind closed doors
- All weapons are locked up
- Your home is free of smoking
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What will be in my home?
We will bring medical equipment and technology to your home. Everything will be connected to your care team so they can stay updated on your health. We will bring and set up:
- Computer tablet
- Wi-Fi phone
- Internet router
- Wearable watch - Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
- Weight scale
- Blood pressure monitor
- Pulse and Oxygen Monitor
- Backup power supply
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What will a typical day look like?
Your care team will create a care plan for you. In a typical day, you can expect:
- 24/7 monitoring by your care team.
- 24/7 access to talk to your care team
- Video and in-home visits with your care team
- In-home lab tests, x-rays, ultrasound, IV therapies, and more special care
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Can I leave my home?
Just as if you were in the hospital, we ask that you stay home while you’re in this program. If you need to leave the house, talk to your care team about if it is safe for you do so. Your care team may want you to stay home and rest just like you would in a hospital.
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How quickly will I get care if I need help?
You have 24/7 access to your care team. If you need help, use the tablet to alert us. You will have a team working to get to you as quickly as possible. If you ever have a medical emergency, please call 911.
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Is my privacy protected?
We know how important the privacy of your health information is. We will use your health, demographic, and other information from your medical record to care for you. Your care team may take photographs and/or recordings of you for your care, but they will never be shared to other parties.
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What about my therapy, labs, or other special care?
We will bring any special care that you need to you! This means that care team members may come to your home or bring equipment to your home.
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Will Texas Health work with my primary doctor?
Yes, your care team will work with your primary doctor to coordinate your care plan.
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What part of my care will I be responsible for?
You will be responsible for taking your medications. A care team member may watch you take your medicine through video call or in person. There will also be times where you will use your equipment to check your blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.
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Will I receive the same care as I would if I were in a hospital?
Your care is our top priority. You will receive the same care as if you were in the hospital. You will be monitored 24/7, and have daily visits with your care team. Your health is being monitored around the clock to be sure your needs are being met.
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How much will this cost?
Most insurance plans will cover most, or all the costs. Your payment responsibility will depend on your health plan’s benefits. All of your care will be included in your program.
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What will happen if I already have some home-based health care?
While you are in this program, other home health care services will be on hold. We will get you all of the care you need through our program. When you complete the program, we will resume your pre-existing home health care services.
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What happens after I complete the program?
When you are well enough to complete the program, our care team will work with your primary doctor to create a care plan. We will remove the equipment and technology. You might also receive a survey. We value your feedback and use it to make improvements to care.
Connecting with Technology
Texas Health Care at Home brings the high-quality care you would get in the hospital to your home.
We do this by bringing technology and health equipment to keep you connected to your care team 24/7.
Here are some items that a care team member will bring and set up in your home:
Computer Tablet
You will use the tablet to make video calls, review your health, take photos, learn health education, and more.
Wi-Fi Phone
You will use the phone to have safe, reliable phone calls with your care team. You will not need to use your personal phone.
Internet Router
The internet router gives you a reliable network to keep you connected to your care team.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Watch
If you are ever in an emergency, you will press the button on your watch so that we can get you help as quickly as possible. We ask that you always wear your watch because emergencies can happen any time.
Weight Scale
Your care team will ask you to check and report your weight. Gaining or losing too much weight gives your care team important health information.
Blood Pressure Monitor
You will use the blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure and heart rate.
Pulse and Oxygen Monitor
You will use the pulse and oxygen monitor to check your oxygen level and heart rate.
Backup Power Supply
The backup power supply has four hours of backup power in case there is a power outage.
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Hospitalist
- A doctor who creates your care plan
- Sets your goals, and has video calls with you
- Works with your primary care doctor
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Registered Nurse
- Helps you start the program
- Gives you 24/7 help and health advice
- Helps you understand your condition, medicines, treatments, etc.
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Nurse Practitioner
- Visits you in your home at the beginning of the program, and as needed
- Creates your care plan for when you complete the program
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Service Coordinator
- Works to get your equipment and technology
- Helps document your care plan for your health record
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Other Care Providers
There will be other care providers that will come to your home as needed, such as:
- Infusion therapy
- Pharmacy staff
- Paramedics (provide any necessary transportation)
- Bloodwork
- Imaging technicians (for necessary x-rays)
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy