Virtua Health announced on Apr. 27 the launch of its Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, making it the first organization in New Jersey to be licensed for this type of service. The MIH model allows Virtua paramedics and emergency medical technicians to deliver non-emergency care directly in patients’ homes and coordinate with their doctors and care teams.
The new initiative aims to provide earlier intervention, reduce avoidable hospital admissions, and improve health outcomes by addressing unmet medical, behavioral, and social needs across the continuum of care. Dennis W. Pullin, president and CEO of Virtua Health, said, “Mobile Integrated Health is transformational. It will fill critical gaps in care, leading to better health, fewer hospital visits, and a healthier population with a better quality of life across our region.”
James Newman, vice president of patient logistics at Virtua Health, explained that MIH is especially valuable for patients who have difficulty accessing timely follow-up or experience challenging transitions between levels of care. “For example, consider a patient with chronic lung disease who develops a new symptom…their care team can deploy Virtua’s MIH program to provide an in-home assessment and treatment,” he said.
The service operates around the clock with about 35 providers—including 12 full-time staff—and five dedicated vehicles currently available. Staffing and resources will increase as needed to maintain continuous coverage. Patients must be referred by their Virtua provider to receive MIH services; both scheduled and unscheduled visits are offered within time frames ranging from one hour up to two days.
In addition to clinical assessments and hands-on support at home—especially when emergency department visits are not required—the program will soon collaborate with NJ MATTERS and Virtua’s Medication for Addiction Treatment Program for people recovering from opioid overdose.
Virtua leaders worked alongside the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) on regulations establishing comprehensive standards governing creation and licensure of MIH programs—rules described by NJDOH as “the first of this kind in the state.” Cort Adelman, vice president of government affairs at Virtua Health said: “We’re grateful for the support…to enable this vital service…MIH programs will lower overall health care costs, and generate new employment opportunities for paramedics, nurses, and other health professionals.”
According to the official website, Virtua Health promotes health equity through initiatives such as its ‘Eat Well’ food access program along with pediatric mobile services units. The organization features five hospitals among more than 400 locations across South Jersey according to its official website. It also maintains academic ties with Rowan University; partners with Penn Medicine on cancer treatment; collaborates on neuroscience; works alongside Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics; includes over 3,000 affiliated doctors; delivers comprehensive healthcare services supporting wellness throughout South Jersey; extends its reach beyond through various programs—all according to official sources.
Pullin concluded that Mobile Integrated Health represents another step forward: “Each of these programs increases access to care especially for those who are most vulnerable.”
