This article illustrates one agency's attempt to enhance communication between physicians and home health care providers. Elmhurst Memorial Home Health and Hospice developed four interdisciplinary care teams, each of which cover their entire geographic service area. Patients are assigned to these care teams based on their referring physician. This method of assignment allows the physician to establish contact with one team coordinator and a core group of caregivers. This model provides the opportunity for increased communication and case conferencing at regularly established intervals. Physicians, staff, and patients are extremely satisfied with this model; it has proven to be a win-win strategy for all involved.
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