For children with complex medical needs, consistent and comprehensive care can be a significant challenge. A growing model of care, leveraging technology and integrated support systems, aims to address these challenges by bringing medical, behavioral and social care directly to patients. Imagine Pediatrics, a tech-enabled medical group, is at the forefront of this approach, expanding its reach and impact in .
Expanding Access to Specialized Pediatric Care
Imagine Pediatrics focuses on delivering virtual and in-home care to children with special health care needs. This model is designed to supplement, not replace, a child’s existing medical team. Instead, the organization’s nurses, doctors, therapists, and mobile clinicians work collaboratively with current healthcare providers to broaden access to necessary support. This integrated approach is particularly valuable for families navigating complex healthcare systems and seeking consistent care coordination.
A key benefit of Imagine Pediatrics’ model is potential cost savings for families. Services are often covered by existing health plan benefits, meaning access to more comprehensive support may come at no additional cost. This represents a critical factor for families already facing the financial burdens associated with managing a child’s complex medical condition.
The Value of Integrated Care
The core philosophy behind Imagine Pediatrics is the integration of medical, behavioral, and social care. According to George Boghos, CEO of Imagine Pediatrics, In , value-based care will show that doing right by children and families is also good business. When medical, behavioral, and social care models are integrated and personalized around each child, especially vulnerable populations, we see improved outcomes, better experiences for patients and providers, and reduced costs of care.
This holistic approach recognizes that a child’s health is influenced by a multitude of factors, and addressing these factors collectively leads to more sustainable improvements.
This integration extends beyond simply coordinating appointments. It involves actively working to reduce hospitalizations and increase the amount of time children spend at home and within their communities. By providing access to a pediatric team via messaging, phone calls, or virtual visits, Imagine Pediatrics aims to proactively address health concerns and prevent unnecessary emergency room visits or hospital admissions.
The Role of Technology and Caregivers
Technology is central to Imagine Pediatrics’ model. The organization utilizes a dedicated app, available on all app stores, to facilitate communication and access to care. This allows families to connect with providers from any smart device, regardless of location. The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, ensuring that families can easily navigate the healthcare system.
Recognizing the crucial role of caregivers, Imagine Pediatrics emphasizes their inclusion in the care process. Taylor Beery, Chief Innovation & Administrative Officer and Co-Founder, highlights the importance of supporting caregivers, stating that caregivers are an essential part of that workforce, providing care that is constant and complex.
The model aims to evolve to better recognize and support caregivers, leveraging virtual care as a tool to expand access, reduce strain on clinical teams, and connect patients and caregivers to care when and where they need it most.
Including caregiver feedback and knowledge as a data point within a tech-enabled care model is seen as vital for delivering personalized care that addresses the true needs of the patient and their family. This collaborative approach ensures that care plans are tailored to the unique circumstances of each child and family.
Expansion and Future Outlook
Imagine Pediatrics is actively expanding its services into new states and the commercial health plan market. This expansion is driven by a desire to improve outcomes and increase access to care for a wider population of children with special health care needs. The organization’s success is rooted in its ability to demonstrate measurable impact through integrated models that combine medical, behavioral, and social care.
Looking ahead to , Imagine Pediatrics anticipates that pediatric value-based care will gain momentum as integrated models continue to prove their effectiveness. The organization is positioned to play a leading role in this shift, advocating for policy changes that support children with special health care needs and their families. The company also predicts that workforce shortages will continue to shape healthcare policy, emphasizing the need to recognize and support caregivers as integral members of the healthcare team.
The focus on value-based care, integrated support, and technological innovation positions Imagine Pediatrics as a key player in reimagining pediatric care for children with complex medical needs, aiming to improve not only health outcomes but also the overall quality of life for both patients and their families.
