Virtua Health and Unite Us Join Forces for Better Care Access
Virtua Health, a leading health system in southern New Jersey, has teamed up with Unite Us, a recognized technology partner in social care transformation. This collaboration aims to enhance care coordination by connecting patients to essential community support services. The partnership is focused on addressing patients’ health-related social needs, fostering a more integrated approach to healthcare.
Commitment to Health Equity
In line with its commitment to health equity, Virtua Health plans to integrate the Unite Us platform with their Epic system. This integration will empower healthcare providers, including clinicians and social workers, to connect patients easily with vital resources. Services such as food assistance, housing support, mental health counseling, and financial aid are among those that will be accessible. The exciting aspect of this partnership is the ability to track referrals and outcomes, which facilitates the development of personalized care plans addressing a broad spectrum of quality-of-life concerns.
Innovative Solutions for Patients
Dan Brillman, co-founder and CEO of Unite Us, expresses pride in this partnership, emphasizing the shared dedication to improving health outcomes through innovative technology and community-oriented solutions. He highlights the importance of access to vital resources that contribute to overall health and well-being. This collaboration aims to elevate the standard of coordinated care in southern New Jersey.
Enhancing the Referral Process
As this initiative is rolled out, Virtua Health’s extensive network—with over 3,000 providers at around 400 care locations—will employ the Unite Us platform to refine their approach to Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) referrals. This effort aligns the health system with other entities already successfully implementing a high referral acceptance rate, ensuring that nearly all referrals lead to action. The mutual goal is to improve patient care beyond the confines of hospital walls.
Understanding Health Factors
John Matsinger, DO, MBA, the executive vice president and COO of Virtua Health, emphasizes the significance of considering the diverse factors influencing an individual’s health. While providing exceptional medical care is a priority, connecting patients to resources and services that boost their quality of life is equally important. This holistic approach underscores the organization’s commitment to the overall well-being of the community.
Tracking Outcomes and Enhancing Lives
Debra Moran, MS, senior vice president of health equity and community programs at Virtua Health, articulates the reason for selecting Unite Us as a technology partner. Their ability to connect patients with reliable community resources and monitor outcomes places importance on ensuring that patients receive essential services. The Unite Us platform serves as a vital tool for addressing health-related social needs, enabling Virtua Health to further its vision of fostering healthier communities through collaboration and innovation.
Access to Community Resources
Importantly, all non-profit community-based organizations can access the Unite Us platform free of charge, reinforcing the commitment to improving community care. For those interested in learning more, resources are readily available that provide insights into how this system can benefit vulnerable populations.
About Virtua Health
Virtua Health is an academic health system based in southern New Jersey dedicated to promoting wellness, recovery, and health continuity. With around 15,000 employees, the organization delivers advanced healthcare services encompassing tertiary care, which includes notable programs in cardiology and transplants alongside community-based services. Virtua boasts multiple facilities, including hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and various health service locations, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access and outreach to local communities.
About Unite Us
Unite Us stands at the forefront of social care technology transformation, providing robust solutions that streamline the connection of individuals to community resources. Their integrated systems focus on privacy and dignity while enhancing the management of referrals and service delivery. Through a vast network, Unite Us facilitates a united front in addressing whole-person health, proving their commitment as a leader in the effort to improve health outcomes across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Virtua Health and Unite Us partnership?
The partnership aims to improve care coordination by linking patients to essential community support services addressing health-related social needs.
How will this integration benefit patients?
Patients will have easier access to vital resources like food assistance and mental health counseling, ensuring a more holistic approach to their care.
What technology is being used in this partnership?
The Unite Us platform will be integrated with Virtua Health's Epic system to streamline the referral process and track patient outcomes effectively.
Who can access the Unite Us platform?
All non-profit community-based organizations can gain access to the Unite Us platform free of charge.
How does Virtua Health contribute to the community's well-being?
Virtua Health provides innovative outreach programs and a complete spectrum of healthcare services, addressing both medical and social determinants of health.
