Already the largest in-home healthcare provider in the region, MedStar Visiting Nurse Association expands their ability to serve more patients in Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and St. Mary’s counties, as a result of MedStar Health’s acquisition of Southern Maryland Hospital Center and its home health company, effective December 10.

“Adding Southern Maryland Home Health to the MedStar VNA team brings tremendous opportunity to better serve the community, hospitals and healthcare facilities in Maryland and DC by making sure more patients heal safely at home. Referral sources and prospective patients have asked us to expand our services in this region, and we are thrilled that we can now meet their needs,” says Traci Anderson, president, MedStar VNA.

As healthcare costs rise and insurance providers, like Medicare, seek new ways to reduce costs, homecare services are a clear cost-savings opportunity. According to 2009 statistics* shared by the National Association of Homecare and Hospice, an average day in the hospital costs $6,200; in a skilled nursing facility, a day costs about $622. For homecare, the average cost is $135 per visit.

In addition to the financial benefits, clinical data suggests that home healthcare improves health status and quality of life for patients, as well as reduces the likelihood of return trips to the hospital. With the need for homecare services increasing as a result of the aging baby boomer generation, MedStar VNA can now serve more patients across Maryland.

In 2012, MedStar VNA admitted over 17 thousand patients. With Southern Maryland Home Health admitting an average of 300 patients per month, by coming together, MedStar VNA can now admit over two thousand patients each month.

Located in Clinton, Md., MedStar Southern Maryland is MedStar Health’s 10th hospital and seventh in the state of Maryland. The merger expands MedStar Southern Maryland’s scope of services and gives patients access to MedStar’s comprehensive clinical services, academic medicine, innovative technology, research and clinical trials.

For more information about MedStar VNA, visit www.medstarhealthvna.org. 

About MedStar Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)

MedStar VNA, a non-profit, in-home healthcare provider, offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation and infusion therapy for homebound, disabled and chronically ill patients in the Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia region. Personal care services are also available through their residential services agency. To support good health in the community, MedStar VNA offers traveling vaccination and wellness programs across the region. For more information about MedStar VNA, call 800-862-2166 or visit medstarhealthvna.org. 

About MedStar Health

MedStar Health combines the best aspects of academic medicine, research and innovation with a complete spectrum of clinical services to advance patient care. Recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care, MedStar is the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region with 10 hospitals and a comprehensive network of outpatient centers and physician offices. MedStar has one of the largest graduate medical education programs in the country, training more than 1,100 medical residents annually, and is the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University. MedStar Health is a $4.2 billion*, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system based in Columbia, Md., and is also one of the largest employers in the region. Its 27,000 associates* and 5,600 affiliated physicians* all support MedStar’s patient-first philosophy that combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service.

*Numbers do not yet include MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

About MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

Founded in 1977, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is a 262-bed full service hospital serving the Washington, D.C., and Southern Maryland areas. Additionally, the hospital operates a state-of-the-art 24-bed sub-acute unit. Throughout MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s history, it has remained a community leader, a strong supporter of healthcare education, and a dedicated advocate for quality healthcare services.

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*Sources: The hospital Medicare charge data for 2005-2007 are from the Annual Statistical Supplement, 2008, to the Social Security Bulletin, Social Security Administration online (www.ssa.gov). SNF data for 2005 are from the Annual Statistical Supplement, 2007, to the Social Security Bulletin, Social Security Administration online (www.ssa.gov). Home health information 2005 data are from the Health Care Financing Review, Statistical Supplement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2006. Home health information 2006 data are from the Health Care Financing Review, Statistical Supplement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2007. Home health information 2007 data are from the Health Care Financing  Review, Statistical Supplement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2008.Home health information 2008 data are from the Health Care Financing Review, Statistical Supplement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2009.