The Need for Pediatric Transitional Care in Arizona

[Audio] Good morning everyone. Today, we will be discussing the critical need for pediatric transitional care for medically fragile children in Arizona. Transitional care is a crucial component of medical care for these children, as they transition from inpatient to outpatient care. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap in transitional care services for these children. This gap is leading to high readmission rates, which are not only costly but also dangerous for the children involved. We will be discussing the critical need for transitional care in Arizona, the key components of transitional care, and the current challenges we face in providing this care to medically fragile children. We will also be highlighting some examples of preventable readmissions and the importance of transitional care facilities in reducing these readmissions..

[Audio] As a society, we have made significant progress in improving the health and well-being of children. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all children have access to the care they need to thrive. One area that has received less attention is the transition from pediatric care to adult care. This is a critical stage in a child’s life, as they must adapt to new healthcare providers, navigate the complexities of adult healthcare systems, and manage their own health. Pediatric care is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated care to infants, children, and adolescents. It is focused on promoting physical, emotional, and social development, and addressing any medical issues that arise. Pediatricians work closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare providers to ensure that children receive the care they need to grow and thrive. As children age, they must transition to adult care. This can be a challenging time, as they must learn to manage their own health and navigate a new healthcare system. Children who are medically fragile may struggle even more during this transition, as they may have complex medical needs that require specialized care. In Arizona, there is a gap in care for medically fragile children during the transition from pediatric to adult care. This gap can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of these children. It is important that we address this gap and ensure that all children have access to the care they need to thrive..

[Audio] Benefits of pediatric transitional care and challenges faced by children in Arizona discussed. Gaps in care and potential solutions for improving access to this critical service explored..

[Audio] Transitional care is critical for the care of medically fragile children with complex conditions such as cerebral palsy and heart defects in Arizona. Transitional care provides a comprehensive approach that includes daily medical management, emergency protocols, medications, and more. Provider coordination is also an important component, bringing together pediatricians, specialists, and home care teams to ensure that care is coordinated and effective. Additionally, family education is a key component of transitional care, providing intensive training for parents and caregivers on medical devices, medications, and emergency response. Access to medical resources is also critical for transitional care, ensuring that necessary equipment and care are available in the home setting..

[Audio] We’ll be discussing the need for pediatric transitional care in Arizona. Current challenges in Arizona Limited access to pediatric transitional care services Lack of specialized providers and facilities High costs of care Inadequate insurance coverage for transitional care services Limited community resources and support These challenges are making it difficult for medically fragile children in Arizona to receive the care they need to transition to adulthood..

[Audio] We are here to address the gap in care for medically fragile children in Arizona. The closure of Los Niños has left our state without a pediatric subacute care facility, leading to increased readmissions, medical errors, and overwhelming caregiver stress. Additionally, hospitals are forced to keep medically stable children longer than necessary due to the lack of transitional care options. This has a significant impact on families and hospitals alike. We believe that pediatric transitional care is necessary to address this problem and improve the lives of children and their families. Ultimately, this care will lead to better health outcomes for medically fragile children..

[Audio] Fragile children in Arizona are at risk for high readmission rates of 30-40% if they don't receive proper transitional support. To address this issue, we propose implementing transitional care facilities that will provide the necessary training and monitoring to reduce preventable readmissions. Many readmissions can be prevented with proper transitional care, including training and follow-up services. For instance, a child discharged with a feeding tube might be readmitted due to improper handling by untrained parents, which can lead to infection or complications. Our solution is to have transitional care facilities provide the necessary training and monitoring to prevent such readmissions..

[Audio] We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of our pediatric transitional care program's financial performance. Our results are astounding. By providing early interventions and coordinated care, we have been able to reduce the need for expensive hospitalizations and emergency department visits. In addition, our program has been able to improve the overall health outcomes of our patients. By providing ongoing support and resources, we have been able to help our patients better manage their chronic conditions and avoid costly hospitalizations in the future. Overall, our pediatric transitional care program has been a tremendous financial success. It has generated cost savings for the healthcare system while also improving the health outcomes of our patients..

[Audio] We will discuss the importance of pediatric transitional care in Arizona today. Children in our state who are medically fragile require specialized care that can be challenging to find. In this presentation, we will explore the cost of pediatric hospital care versus transitional care. According to a cost comparison study by the American Hospital Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association, hospital stays for pediatric intensive care in Arizona can cost between $5000 and $8000 per day for high-acuity care. Extended hospital stays for medically fragile children can last weeks or months, significantly increasing costs. On the other hand, pediatric transitional care facilities typically cost $1500 to $2500 per day. This lower daily cost makes transitional care a cost-effective.

[Audio] Transition care can help address challenges facing medically fragile children. High readmission rates are a main concern, with recent statistics showing readmissions can be as high as 40-50%. This is significant as readmissions cost hospitals money, strain the healthcare system, and families. To address this, we must identify the root causes of readmissions and implement effective solutions to prevent them. Transitional care refers to coordinated care for children at risk of readmission, including follow-up appointments with primary care physicians and specialized care with specialists. Studies have shown transitional care can reduce readmission rates by up to 60%, saving hospitals money and providing long-term benefits. In this presentation, we will explore challenges facing medically fragile children and how transitional care can address them. We will also look at potential savings and benefits of implementing transitional care in Arizona..

[Audio] Pediatric transitional care is a critical aspect of healthcare for medically fragile children. We are presenting a series of case studies and best practices to better understand the unique challenges faced by these children and how we can provide the best possible care for them. Early intervention is essential, and interdisciplinary care is critical to ensuring that medically fragile children receive the care they need to thrive. We hope that this presentation will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by medically fragile children and inspire us to take action to improve their care..

[Audio] Successful models in other states have shown that integrated community-based transitional care can reduce hospital readmissions and improve outcomes for children with complex medical conditions. For example, a transitional care model in California resulted in a 50% reduction in hospital readmissions and 30 million dollars annual savings for Medicaid. Similarly, a community integration program in Illinois achieved a 60% reduction in readmissions and improved the quality of life for children. These successful models highlight the importance of integrated community-based transitional care in reducing hospital readmissions and improving outcomes for children..

[Audio] Arizona has a growing population of medically fragile children who require specialized care. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has identified the need for improved care for these children, and reports have emphasized the importance of addressing this issue. The 2022 Arizona Children with Special Health Care Needs Report and the Arizona Early Intervention Program's Medically Fragile Children Population Data for Arizona have also emphasized the growing need for transitional care for these children. To enhance the care provided to medically fragile children in Arizona, successful models implemented in California and Illinois, such as pediatric transitional care models, can be adapted to Arizona's unique needs, especially in urban areas where there is a growing population of medically fragile children. By proposing similar models, Arizona can lower costs, reduce hospital burden, and improve health outcomes for DDD-affiliated children..

Propose for Arizona. Plants with purple petals.

[Audio] We are discussing the need for pediatric transitional care. Medically fragile children in Arizona face unique challenges when it comes to receiving the care they need. That's why we are advocating for the creation of dedicated pediatric transitional care facilities. These facilities would provide temporary, post-hospital care for medically fragile children, with a focus on stabilizing children, caregiver training, and ensuring smooth transitions to home. We have explored various funding opportunities to support these facilities. We have identified federal grants designed to improve pediatric care infrastructure. Public-private partnerships can also be explored to share costs and resources. Finally, we believe that collaboration with key stakeholders is essential to the success of any pediatric transitional care program. We have involved DDD, AHCCCS, hospitals, and home care providers in the development and implementation of these programs, and have created a coalition to ensure that care is continuous and well-coordinated. In conclusion, we believe that the creation of dedicated pediatric transitional care facilities is crucial to providing high-quality care to medically fragile children. We hope that our recommendations will help to address the gap in care and improve the health and well-being of these children..

[Audio] We will start with a pilot program in Phoenix, where we have a high concentration of medically fragile children. We will collect data on cost savings, health outcomes, and caregiver satisfaction to evaluate the program’s success before expanding statewide. We understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and will build a task force of healthcare providers, Medicaid officials, and community organizations to ensure a unified approach to pediatric transitional care. Securing funding is crucial to the success of our program, and we will apply for federal grants and waivers to fund facility construction, staffing, and ongoing operations. We will also seek philanthropic support or private partnerships to augment public funding..

[Audio] Our research has identified healthcare facility gaps in Arizona, particularly the lack of pediatric transitional care facilities for medically fragile children. Medically fragile children in Arizona are at risk due to this lack, leading to high readmission rates, extended hospital stays, and financial strain on Medicaid. We find that pediatric transitional care provides a cost-effective, life-saving solution, improving health outcomes while reducing financial strain on Medicaid. We urge Arizona to act now to create pediatric transitional care facilities, leveraging proven models from other states to ensure better outcomes for medically fragile children and their families. By investing in the infrastructure that will not only improve healthcare but also save millions in preventable costs, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these children and their families in our state..

[Audio] We present our Medical Therapy Program and Medi-Cal Managed Care in California Medicaid Success Stories. Effective Pediatric Transitional Care in Illinois for reduction of hospital readmissions..

[Audio] Our program is more cost-effective than hospital financial reports in pediatric intensive care. This can lead to higher readmission rates. Factors influencing readmission rates in pediatric populations are important to consider when creating transitional care programs. Our data report highlights national trends and shows that our program is on track to be a leader in the field of pediatric care..

[Audio] Research has shown a significant gap in care for medically fragile children in Arizona. These children require specialized care to help them transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems. Our aim is to inform policy decisions and resource allocation in Arizona to address this critical issue..

[Audio] Medically fragile children require specialized care that goes beyond what traditional healthcare providers can offer. However, there is a gap in care that needs to be addressed. In Arizona, the Medicaid program plays a critical role in providing healthcare coverage for vulnerable children. In this presentation, we explore the impact of Medicaid expansion on Arizona’s pediatric population. We examine studies conducted nationally to understand the impact of Medicaid on pediatric health outcomes. Our mission is to ensure that all children in Arizona have access to the care they need to live healthy, happy lives. By addressing the gap in care, we can help improve the health and well-being of our most vulnerable population..

[Audio] We understand how critical it is to offer top-notch transitional care for children with fragile health conditions to maximize their chances of success..