Lincoln Hospital outlines supports for patients facing housing instability and post‑operative recovery

Lincoln Hospital leaders described programs intended to help patients who lack stable housing get medical care and recover safely after procedures, Dr. Aki Fisher told BronxNet.

Fisher said Lincoln screens patients for social determinants of health—housing, transportation, employment and food security—and works with social workers and community partners to connect people to services. “We work with community providers of medical respite, where for, you know, limited amount of days, you can have, a bed, to recover from your, surgeries,” he said.

Why it matters: Patients who lack stable housing face extra risks when undergoing surgery or managing chronic conditions. Fisher described a safety‑net program focused on the health needs of people experiencing homelessness and a 'home for health' linkage that connects patients with significant chronic illnesses to housing services through the hospital system.

How it works: Social workers perform screening and then coordinate referrals to partner respite providers with nursing support for short recovery stays. Fisher also described how Lincoln’s programs coordinate with recovery centers and addiction‑treatment services when patients need substance‑use supports.

Access and affordability: Fisher reiterated that systemwide programs such as NYC Care and in‑hospital financial counselors help connect uninsured or underinsured patients to care; he said financial counselors help determine Medicare/Medicaid eligibility and other coverage options so patients can access needed services and medications.

What’s next: Fisher said Lincoln’s goal is to bridge barriers to care and to continue working with community partners to improve access and follow‑up care for patients who are housing insecure.

The interview was part of BronxNet’s Inside Lincoln Hospital series.