Utilize Health, based in Tennessee, describes its mission as improving the health and wellbeing of individuals with neurological conditions while reducing overall care costs. The company offers a holistic approach to managing complex neurological issues, from diagnosis to chronic stages, through personalized programs and comprehensive care plans. Essentially, Utilize Health aims to provide guidance during critical moments when patients face overwhelming amounts of information without clear direction.
Christine Black, Vice President of Business Development at Utilize Health, brings a unique perspective to the company. Black is a caregiver for her husband, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury and is now a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. This personal experience gives her deep insight into the challenges of neurological care. Black emphasized that Utilize Health supports individuals with complex neurological conditions, including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Utilize Health focuses on creating a robust plan of action for patients immediately after their diagnosis. Black noted that while diagnoses are often delivered in hospitals, patients and their families are left to navigate the complexities of care once they are discharged. This includes dealing with insurance, medication, financial issues, and other challenges that can be overwhelming without proper support.
Black highlighted that the current case management system is insufficient. Many patients face difficulties due to the intricate nature of their conditions, which involve various factors such as social determinants of health and physical needs. She stressed that people often lack the necessary support from their providers.
Utilize Health has identified a significant gap in the market for managing complex neurological conditions. Black’s personal experience underscores this need. The company has engaged with both patients and providers to address these issues, aiming to fill the void in care coordination.
Technology plays a crucial role in Utilize Health’s operations. Black acknowledged that the company could not function as effectively without digital tools like electronic medical records (EMRs) and the internet, which facilitate access to information and services. However, she pointed out that Utilize Health currently operates only in Tennessee.
For Tennesseans with neurological conditions, Black said Utilize Health is a leading option for comprehensive care coordination. While other companies focus on areas like renal or cancer care, Utilize Health specializes in supporting individuals with acute or chronic neurological conditions.
Feedback about Utilize Health has been positive. The company has been praised for improving self-reported anxiety and depression scores and assisting with essential needs such as employment, housing, and food security. Utilize Health’s care managers play a critical role in helping individuals achieve better health outcomes.
Looking ahead, Black mentioned that Utilize Health is exploring partnerships with more healthcare plans, such as Medicare Advantage, to expand its reach. She hopes for increased attention to neurological care and support. Black shared that despite being highly educated and having family members in prestigious professions, securing adequate care for her husband has been a struggle. The family finds it easier to afford concierge home care due to his extreme needs.
Black believes that society should aim to provide care that considers the whole person and their family, meeting their needs at home for better overall care experiences. She also pointed out that while many health plans have robust case management divisions, members often distrust them due to service denials. Companies like Utilize Health, which offer independent care management, can bridge this trust gap by becoming reliable sources of support.
Overall, Black envisions a more supportive and coordinated approach to neurological care that genuinely addresses the needs of patients and their families.
