Hospital at Home

Hospital at Home provides hospital-level care in the comfort of a patient’s home. This service is for patients whose illness is severe enough to warrant hospitalization, but instead of a hospital stay, Hospital at Home patients are admitted to their own home for treatment. We are careful to include only patients who can safely be cared for at home. Examples of conditions that we treat through Hospital at Home include: pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team which may include visits from a provider (MD or NP) and nurse, as well as diagnostic testing and supplies. For many patients, receiving care at home with family and pets nearby can ease the healing process.

Presbyterian Health Plan and Medicare Health Plan members 18 years of age or older who live in the central New Mexico area (Bernalillo, Sandoval and parts of Valencia county) and live within 25 miles of a Presbyterian hospital or emergency room may qualify for Hospital at Home services if they require hospital-level care for a medical condition that can safely be cared for at home. Patients must be living in a safe home environment with basic utilities and amenities, including heat and running water.

Presbyterian was one of the first hospitals in the nation to launch a Hospital at Home program and has been a national leader in this approach to care since its beginnings in 2008. When a patient is admitted to Hospital at Home for care, they receive medical supplies needed for their care at home. These may include oxygen, intravenous medications or other medical equipment.

On a typical day, Hospital at Home patients have two home visits from their providers, which may include a doctor, a nurse, or other medical personnel. The care provided can include blood work, monitoring of vital signs, administration of medication or oxygen, as well as discussions with patient and families on their progress and plan of care. Patient and families can contact our 24-hour phone number for any concerns or questions.

Most Hospital at Home stays last a few days. When our team determines that a patient is ready for discharge, our team coordinates appropriate follow-up. The final visit includes an in-depth discussion with patient and family on the plan of care after discharge to make sure the patient and family have the information they need for ongoing recovery.

For more information about specific conditions treated and services available, please call (505) 724-7300.