Care Transitions

A care transition is when you must move from one care setting to another because of a change in your healthcare needs. For example, care transitions would happen if your condition changes and you need to move from home to a hospital, or you need to move from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility or to home. Gateway wants to help you to prevent care transitions and to lessen the impact of unplanned care transitions.

Some ways that you can do to prevent unplanned transitions are;

• Call your doctor for an appointment if you are dizzy and lose your balance.
• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
• Know the side effects of medications you are taking.
• Rearrange furniture and electrical cords to keep them out of walking paths.
• If you use a walker or cane, put rubber tips on it.
• Keep a cordless phone and a flashlight with new batteries by your bed.
• Always wear footwear with nonskid soles. Wear low-heeled shoes that fit well and give your feet good support.

Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured^® can assist members with care transitions. Gateway members may be provided with referrals to community and home-based resources that support independence. Gateway’s Care Managers educate at-risk members and or their caregivers about how to maintain good health and to promote a safe environment. To learn more, please call the Care Management Department to speak with a Care Manager:

Pennsylvania Medicare: 1-800-685-5212, option 1

Ohio Medicare: 1-888-447-4506, option 1

H8031_337 CMS Approval 07/08/2009