The Henry Ford Health System's Patient-Centered Team Care program has reduced expected hospital admissions for enrolled heart failure patients by 36 percent after six months, according to officials.

The Detroit-based nonprofit healthcare system began using device-free patient-monitoring technology called Tel-Assurance, developed by Northfield, Ill.-based Pharos Innovations, at its clinics on July 21, 2008 as part of its patient-centered medical home model.

Pharos executives say Tel-Assurance's remote patient-monitoring technology can reduce healthcare costs and avoidable hospital admissions for chronic condition patients. Despite the diversity in populations served, they said, Tel-Assurance clients like Henry Ford generate admission rates well below national averages by averting unnecessary hospitalizations.

"We knew there was a better way to help our patients take better care of themselves and, in the process, reduce hospital admissions for those who don't need to be here," said Richard Dryer, MD, medical director at the Henry Ford Health System. "Tel-Assurance allows us to take better care of our patients with chronic conditions, such as heart failure, outside of the hospital and keep our beds open for our other patients. As a result of the successes we have seen, our plan is now to extend and expand our program across our organization."

"Henry Ford has found a successful model for improving the health and healthcare outcomes for patients who are underserved and can be difficult to reach and engage," said Randall E. Williams, MD, CEO of Pharos Innovations.