New Research from VillageMD Finds Regular Primary Care Visits Decrease Hospitalizations

A new study published in The American Journal of Managed Care demonstrates the value of high-cadence primary care visits in reducing hospitalizations among high-risk patients. The research was conducted by VillageMD Research Institute and is titled, “Primary Care Visit Cadence and Hospital Admissions in High-Risk Patients.” Researchers found that quarterly primary care visits through Village Medical’s Stay Well Care Plan provided an opportunity to lower hospitalizations.

“As a primary care physician, I am heartened but not surprised by the results of this study,” said Clive Fields, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer, VillageMD. “High-quality primary care can keep patients healthier and out of the hospital, so continuity and regularity of care demonstrates the need for these quality metrics. All Americans should understand that an ongoing relationship with your primary care doctor can yield better healthcare outcomes, improve your quality of life, and reduce future medical misery.”

The VillageMD Research Institute, led by Jen Clair, chief analytics officer of VillageMD and chief financial officer, Village Medical, analyzed the health data of more than 1,300 high-risk patients from 14 primary care practices over a two-year period to determine the impact of visit cadence on hospitalizations. Patients had a planned visit to their primary care provider every quarter (once every 90 days) and their cadence was based on the number of visits over a year. High-cadence patients were seen in at least three quarters and low-cadence patients were seen in two or fewer quarters. Researchers compared hospitalizations among high- and low-cadence patients during a base year and following year to determine outcomes.

Approximately 66 percent of patients included in the study received primary care at a high cadence during the base year, despite the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic. While hospital admission rates increased among low-cadence patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure, admissions declined or flattened among high-cadence populations who were regularly seeing their primary care provider.

“When patients increased their regular provider visits, their hospitalizations decreased. This study signals primary care providers to improve regularity of high-risk patient visits. And we hope patients managing complex conditions begin to demand more access to their care team,” said Clair. “When our patients use their Stay Well Care Plan, they get the cadence of care they deserve.”

The Stay Well Care Plan provides patients with a personalized wellness plan with visit frequency tailored to their lifestyle and unique needs. With 60 percent of adults in the United States experiencing a chronic disease, and 40 percent suffering from multiple, creating a primary care relationship that benefits patients and the health system at-large is critical.

About VillageMD

VillageMD provides high-quality, accessible health care services for individuals and communities across the United States, with primary, multi-specialty, and urgent care providers serving patients in traditional clinic settings, in patients’ homes and online appointments. Committed to serving all patients and working with all payers, VillageMD consistently innovates value-based care, bringing integrated applications, population insights and staffing expertise to its owned and affiliate practices, ensuring high-quality care, better patient outcomes and a reduction in the total cost of care. Through Village Medical, Village Medical at Home, Summit Health, CityMD and other practices, VillageMD serves millions of patients throughout their lives, wherever and whenever they need care. Its dedicated workforce of more than 20,000 operates from more than 800 practice locations nationwide. To learn more, please visit www.villageMD.com.

About VillageMD Research Institute

The VillageMD Research Institute is dedicated to generating, curating, and disseminating evidence of value-based care. Its mission is to improve health outcomes, lower costs, and enhance the patient and provider experience through rigorous research.

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