Letter to the Editor: Thankful for transition program

We want to express our appreciation of the Rural Medical Care Transition Program provided through the hospital. The program is offered statewide and is designed to reduce hospital costs by assisting patients who are 65 years and older with one of ten qualifying diagnoses and by reducing re-hospitalization of those patients. We have enjoyed the relationship built with the nurse coach assigned to work with Gene following two separate hospital stays. The program provides nurse coaches to assist patients as they transition from doctors, hospitals and other health care programs to home. Gene was hospitalized for 30 days in two different hospitals and saw multiple doctors who each prescribed medicines and recommended multiple procedures to follow at home. When we arrived home, we were both tired.

Before leaving the hospital, we agreed to participate in the transition program. A nurse coach was assigned to work with us. She reviewed the many procedures and prescriptions ordered by the numerous different health care providers to assist us in determining the most efficient way to ensure Gene received the correct in-home care and medicines. She checked in by telephone once a week to review his progress. We appreciated the nurse coaches’ telephone calls, her positive attitude and having her knowledge of where to obtain a variety of services within the local health care systems.

Hot Springs County is fortunate to have this program available for its growing senior population. We are equally fortunate to have nurse coaches dedicated to maintaining our quality of life.

Gene and Laura Kuhman