21
July
2022
|
14:10
Australia/Melbourne

Epworth and Bupa partner to deliver more rehab in the home

Summary

Epworth HealthCare and Bupa will offer eligible patients increased access to rehabilitation in the home as part of an extension of their contract.

The partnership will support innovative models of care by expanding rehabilitation in the home beyond traditional areas such as orthopaedics to neurological and reconditioning patients.

Epworth Group Chief Executive Dr Lachlan Henderson said the partnership allowed for greater choice while maintaining access to high quality care.

“Innovative programs such as rehab in the home are already providing great clinical and personal outcomes for patients, with these services now available to more Bupa patients,” Dr Henderson said.

“Our rehab in the home service doubled as people became accustomed to working and schooling from home during the pandemic, and we’re seeing demand continue. We know our patients love the flexibility of receiving therapy at home as it fits in with their lifestyles.”

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Chris Carroll said the partnership reflected the new era in patient care, with a major hospital group and private health insurer working together to ensure improved patient outcomes, experience and affordability.

Chris Carroll, Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director

This is another great example of hospitals and insurers working collaboratively to put patients first, providing greater choice around their care while helping free up hospital beds for those who really need it.

Chris Carroll, Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director

“Hospitals are, and always will be, the backbone for acute and complex care, but the reality is for many patients healthcare can be delivered in community settings and, increasingly, in the home.

“Getting the same clinical care at home will give patients the peace of mind they are receiving the high standard of care that Epworth is renowned for, just in the comfort of their own home.”

Mr Carroll said a focus on innovation was part of the expanded partnership including growing home care, virtual care and supporting funding arrangements to help reduce out of pocket costs.

Bupa’s partnership with Epworth is the third partnership with large private hospital groups announced in recent months, following agreements with Cabrini Health and Mater Health.

“These partnerships are about striking the right balance so we can keep healthcare affordable for our members and help drive greater innovations so customers can have greater choice of where they want to receive their care,” Mr Carroll said.