Upstate HomeCare Expands, Adds Pharmacies

PRWeb

June 22, 2009

- Upstate HomeCare, a home medical services provider specializing in infusion, specialty medication, respiratory and DME services, is expanding. Just this year they have added two pharmacies in Rochester, NY. One specializes in home infusion therapy and one in oral medication, a new product line for Upstate HomeCare.

Upstate HomeCare already provides homebound patients with many necessary medical products and services, so the expansion to retail oral medications was the next logical step. Their delivery systems and medical professionals were already in place for other services, making retail pharmacies an efficient expansion of Upstate HomeCare's service lines. The new pharmacy locations deliver on a regular schedule according to each patient's prescriptions, adding to a full range of services provided for patients in their homes.

'We are always improving our services and product lines, and this addition makes patients' lives much easier, since this vital part of their medical care will now be taken care of for them,' said Anthony Artessa, President/CEO of Upstate HomeCare. 'We handle all oral medications, checking for medication interactions, conflicts and warnings, and work directly with caregivers. All the pressure is off the patient to manage this sometimes complex process. They'll be safer and have greater peace of mind, a great combination.'

Upstate HomeCare serves the greater Upstate New York area, with services spanning the age spectrum from infants to adults. All clinical staff are licensed in their particular fields and are chosen for their relevant work experience, education and certifications, which qualify them to practice in this highly specialized environment.

Mr. Artessa continued, 'Upstate serves a very diverse geographic area in both size and setting. Some areas are very remote and rural while others are very urban and densely populated. We adapt our services to the needs of our patients by viewing each one as an individual with specific needs, including the suitability of home equipment and therapy services.'

Upstate HomeCare takes the extra step, working directly with the patient's caregiver for a consistent and safe medication profile. They continually research each of their respective markets, and use their considerable knowledge base and talent to develop new programs, helping patients avoid hospital stays and encourage treatment within a patient's home. Their free delivery and medication reconciliation programs are two such examples.

Upstate HomeCare also provides a rare education component, training patients and caregivers on effective use of medical equipment, proper medication dosage and the importance and value of proper nutrition. Statistics show that malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy generally exceeds 25%. Upstate HomeCare has developed a full nutrition management program. They also continually evaluate programs to make sure they are cost-effective for each patient.

'Home care services are an indispensable part of the healthcare continuum,' said Syracuse Cardiologist Matthew O'Hern, MD. 'A pharmacy that is knowledgeable of a homecare patient's needs plays a critical role in managing a patient's medications for errors, duplications and therapeutic effectiveness. Working with the healthcare team assembled in the home to achieve successful outcomes for the patient is more important than ever.'

Dr. O'Hern continued, 'Upstate HomeCare's oral medication pharmacy was developed with precisely this in mind, to play an expanded and vital role in the patient's well-being at home. Having a pharmacy that already understands the home care industry, offers to monitor a patients medication profile for conflicts and appropriateness, and provides free delivery is right on the mark.'

Upstate HomeCare was founded in 1985 by two respiratory therapists who still own and manage the business. Upstate HomeCare has been serving patients and earning their trust for 25 years. With locations in Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Canandaigua and Buffalo, Upstate HomeCare sets high standards for service and quality throughout Upstate New York. All Upstate HomeCare services are carried out in accordance with Federal, State and local laws and established regulatory guidelines as dictated by the New York State Board of Pharmacy, New York State Department of Health, New York State Nurse Practice Act, Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, Inc., professional associations and established standards of care.

For more information please contact Gregory LoPresti, VP/Chief Operating Officer at
315-853-1280 ext. 1234 or visit upstatehomecare.com.


Media Contact:
Upstate HomeCare
Gregory LoPresti
315-853-1280

Trackback URL: http://prweb.com/pingpr.php/U3F1YS1DcmFzLUluc2UtU2luZy1NYWduLUNvdXAtWmVybw==

Copyright © 2009 PRWeb, All Rights Reserved.