Children's Institute introduces new model of care

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Dr. Matthew Masiello, chief medical officer of the Children's Institute in Squirrel Hill.

Kris B. Mamula

Reporter- Pittsburgh Business Times

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The Children's Institute in Squirrel Hill has launched a new way of caring for kids with disabilities, which has shown promise in other areas of medicine.

The institute introduced a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model for pediatric patients, using a team approach to better coordinate medical care. Patients are assigned health coaches and care coordinators, who become familiar with the patient's individual medical needs and the care they are receiving, Chief Medical Officer Matthew Masiello said.

"The foundation is really care coordination," said Masiello, who was named chief medical officer in July. "We think the model we have here will work."

The institute's trial will last two to three years to see if overall care improves and costs are contained, Masiello said. The results will be compared to patients in the general pediatrician's office.

A study by Highmark found that implementation of the PCMH model of care in the adult population resulted in fewer patients using the emergency room, lower readmission rates within a month of hospital discharge and overall lower costs. The 220,000-square-foot institute opened as a pediatric rehabilitation center in 1902.

Kris Mamula covers health care, insurance and employee benefits for the Pittsburgh Business Times. Contact him at kmamula@bizjournals.com or 412-208-3825.