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Warren County outlines community paramedicine pilot to reduce readmissions
Summary
Warren County officials briefed commissioners on a pilot community paramedicine program—partnering the county health department, local hospital and EMS—to provide post-discharge home visits aimed at reducing repeat ER visits and hospital readmissions; a small pilot could launch in mid-December or January.
Warren County commissioners heard a detailed briefing on a planned community paramedicine pilot designed to reach high-risk county residents after hospital discharge.
A Warren County Health Department representative said the program is “a joint initiative between the Warren County Health Department, Ascension, Williamsport Hospital, Warren County EMS and Warren County government” and will use existing EMS staff and a dedicated vehicle. The program would provide home visits, typically within one to two days after discharge, to confirm medications, follow-up appointments and other needs and to relay visit information back to primary care providers.
The presenter said the initiative will start as a pilot, run two to three days per week and aim for a small caseload at launch — roughly five to 10 patients per week — so staff can ensure documentation and consent procedures are correct. The speaker said about $70,000 has been spent to date on a vehicle, equipment and certifications, supported by anonymous community donations and foundation attention.
Officials told commissioners the program is intended to be budget-neutral using current on-staff paramedics who would also remain available for ambulance backup. The presenter acknowledged insurance does not currently reimburse these visits and said they are pursuing grant or state funding possibilities but do not expect an immediate, automatic revenue stream.
A county official raised a legal-language concern about a partner hospital’s religious affiliation and asked for contract language to explicitly show the county does not give religious preference; staff said that standard non-discrimination language can be added and that a business associate agreement (BAA) with the health department will also be required before launch.
Program leaders said they expect to begin outreach to nearby hospitals to enroll Warren County residents hospitalized outside the county, but they do not anticipate huge initial uptake. Commissioners asked for public-facing materials; staff agreed to prepare a one-page community information sheet ahead of the pilot launch.
The county did not vote on the program at the meeting; staff indicated they aim to finalize contractual language and start the pilot in late December or January.
