Saving Lives through Coordinated Care

Hypertension—the silent killer—impacts more than one in three Americans and is a leading cause of strokes, heart attacks and other serious illnesses. Catching it early and controlling it is key to saving lives which is why Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center started a program that coordinates care to address it.

Though this project, more than 450 physicians from any specialty in any setting notify a patient's primary care physician if high blood pressure is found during their examination. The health team then works to develop a coordinated treatment plan. As a result, more patients have their blood pressure under control (2013—52 percent; 2014—90 percent.

This case study is part of the NYS Triple Aim series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies across New York State are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, its members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.