ENHANCING PATIENT EXPERIENCE AND CONTINUITY OF CARE

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Abraham Warshaw, MD, to our team as a Senior Health Advisor. With over 30 years of experience in emergency medicine, critical care, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Warshaw brings invaluable insights into hospital operations and patient care to our offerings.

Throughout Dr. Warshaw’s career, he has held pivotal roles, from Chief Medical Officer to Chief of Access Services, at prominent academic and community hospitals. His dedication to optimizing patient experience, operational efficiency, and quality care aligns seamlessly with Wellworth’s commitment to providing the highest level of healthcare advisory services. Dr. Warshaw’s expertise managing within complex hospital systems and delivering safe, compassionate care will greatly benefit our clients, helping them navigate healthcare challenges with confidence and ease.

With Dr. Warshaw on board, Wellworth enhances its ability to provide expert healthcare guidance, helping clients and families make informed decisions at every stage of their healthcare journey. John Samuels, CEO and Founder adds, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Warshaw join our team. He brings an enormous level of hospital experience to our team to benefit our clients.” His deep understanding of hospital systems, transfer logistics, and patient-focused solutions enables us to streamline complex processes and facilitate seamless care transitions. Dr. Warshaw’s insights and dedication reinforce our mission to deliver exceptional, individualized support for those seeking quality care. 

We spoke with Dr. Warshaw to gain insights from his hospital experience on how our clients can better identify and mitigate healthcare risks.

Patient experience starts before admission

VIP experiences in hospitals often bring to mind high-touch concierge services and streamlined paperwork. Yet, Dr. Warshaw emphasizes that hospitals aim to treat all patients as VIPs. When it comes to ensuring a smooth, seamless admission, he acknowledges, “Establishing care involves extensive paperwork, insurance coordination, and matching patients with the right providers for their needs. We can simplify this process, ensuring your appointment flows smoothly and that you receive care from a world-class provider suited to your health needs. We’re also here to assist with transportation and any additional support required."

VIP patients require tailored communication and transparency

VIP patients and their families often expect more personalized and regular updates on treatment plans. They value transparency, whether it's about medical decisions, timelines, or anticipated outcomes, and expect a consistent communication channel with top specialists. Dr. Warshaw notes, “With communication and information coming in from so many sources (hospital, provider, media) the influx of information can be overwhelming, confusing, conflicting or too technical. We can help organize, clarify and interpret pertinent data, assist with any follow up questions needed and help identify options for next steps as needed.”

Transfers can be key to continuity of care

This may be the most crucial aspect of the hospital experience. Smooth and timely patient transfers, especially from critical departments like the ICU, can make the difference in maintaining continuity of care. This is even more important for VIP patients, where personalized care and close attention to detail are expected. Transfers may also be required following admission to an emergency department (ER). Drawing from his extensive hospital experience, Dr. Warshaw explains: “There are situations when you are admitted to the hospital (or if you are in the ER with plans to admit) where it may be necessary or preferable to be transferred to another hospital. In some cases, the hospital where you are being treated will not have the specific services that you need and the transfer will get you to a higher level of care. In these cases, the hospital may have an alternative hospital in mind which is usually an affiliated facility. However, as the patient, you do have the option to ask to be transferred to an alternative hospital. You may wish to request a different hospital — particularly one that has treated you before or where a preferred provider practices." Wellworth can assist you to find the right accepting physician and expedite the transfer. Bear in mind however that in some cases, when a medical urgency exists, it may be best to expedite a transfer to the nearest qualified facility.

Logistics matter

Dr. Warshaw continues, “The logistics of a transfer can get complicated with issues such as bed availability at the receiving hospital, insurance issues (sometimes in non-emergency situations insurance approval is needed), transportation plans and obtaining an accepting physician at the target hospital. We can assist with all these issues. We guide in terms of the process, insurance concerns, and help to find the best facility or the best provider for your condition. While most transfers are local within your area, there are times where longer distance transfers may be needed, and we can assist with this process as well. If you are hospitalized out of the country or far away from your home, we can also help advise and facilitate transfer back to an appropriate clinical setting near your home. Our goal is to get you to the right place, right provider, right care at the right time in an efficient and comfortable manner.”

Operational efficiency directly impacts patient outcomes

Navigating the complexities of hospital care requires more than just operational expertise — it demands proactive communication and resource coordination to ensure a smooth stay and successful discharge. Dr. Warshaw notes, “When you are in the hospital, there are multiple factors that can impact your experience and length of stay.  Staffing, resource availability and the scheduling of tests and procedures. It is important to maintain close communication with your care team to understand the factors that impact your care. We can help advise on best way to interact with staff and as needed provide advice and insight in regard to messaging from your clinical team. We can also help with any resources needed on discharge (special bed or other equipment, oxygen, homecare and other support as needed). We can also assist you to obtain any medical records and testing results that may be needed for follow up or future care.”

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