Mini Business Plan: Mobile Geriatric Primary Care Service – “Senior Steps”

Executive Summary:

“Senior Steps” is a proposed mobile geriatric primary care service designed to address the increasing need for accessible healthcare for elderly patients within [Name of Healthcare Facility/Area]. By providing in-home primary care, we aim to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance the quality of life for seniors with limited mobility. This plan outlines the market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategies for launching this service.

1. Description of Need:

• Growing Geriatric Population: The population of individuals aged 65 and older is rapidly increasing, leading to a higher demand for geriatric-specific healthcare.
• Limited Mobility and Transportation Barriers: Many seniors experience mobility limitations and lack access to reliable transportation, making it difficult to attend traditional clinic appointments.
• Chronic Disease Management: Geriatric patients often have multiple chronic conditions requiring ongoing management and monitoring.
• Need for Preventative Care: In-home preventative care can help reduce hospitalizations and improve overall health outcomes.
• Factors Impacting Need:
  • Aging population demographics.
  • Increased prevalence of chronic diseases.
  • Advances in mobile healthcare technology.
  • Rising healthcare costs associated with hospital readmissions.
• Fiscal Planning Issues:
  • Initial startup costs (vehicle, equipment, technology).
  • Reimbursement rates from Medicare/Medicaid and private insurers.
  • Cost of providing in-home care versus traditional clinic visits.
  • Managing operational expenses.
• Human Capital Issues and Needs:
  • Recruiting and retaining qualified geriatric healthcare professionals.
  • Providing specialized training in mobile geriatric care.
  • Ensuring staff safety and well-being in home environments.
  • Managing staff scheduling and travel logistics.

2. Overview of the Service:

• “Senior Steps” will provide comprehensive in-home primary care services to geriatric patients, including:
  • Routine checkups and physical examinations.
  • Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart failure).
  • Medication management and reconciliation.
  • Preventative care (e.g., vaccinations, screenings).
  • Wound care and minor procedures.
  • Health education and counseling.
  • Referrals to specialists and community resources.
• The service will utilize a mobile medical unit equipped with necessary medical equipment and technology.
• Electronic health records (EHR) will be used for seamless data management and communication.

3. Market Analysis:

• Target Market: Geriatric patients aged 65 and older residing within a [specify geographic area] radius of the healthcare facility.
• Market Need:
  • Significant unmet need for accessible geriatric primary care in the target area.
  • Limited availability of home-based healthcare services.
  • Growing demand for patient-centered and convenient care.
• Competitive Analysis:
  • Identify existing home healthcare agencies and primary care clinics in the area.
  • Highlight the unique advantages of “Senior Steps,” such as specialized geriatric expertise and comprehensive in-home care.
• Reimbursement:
  • Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for home-based primary care visits.
  • Private insurance reimbursement for out-of-network or bundled services.
  • Potential for patient co-pays or private pay for additional services.
  • Example: Medicare Part B reimburses for physician home visits under specific conditions.

4. Operational Budget (Annual):

5. Capital Budget (One-Time):

6. Human Resource Cost Budget (Annual):

• If staff is borrowed from other departments, a cost allocation method will be used to account for their time and expenses.

7. “Green Light” Justification:

• Addresses a Critical Need: “Senior Steps” provides a vital service to a rapidly growing and underserved population.
• Improves Patient Outcomes: In-home care can lead to better management of chronic conditions, reduced hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.
• Enhances Patient Satisfaction: Convenient and personalized care enhances patient experience and satisfaction.
• Potential for Cost Savings: Reduced hospital readmissions and improved preventative care can lead to long-term cost savings for the healthcare facility.
• Alignment with Healthcare Facility Mission: The service aligns with the facility’s mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to the community.
• Financial Viability: With reasonable reimbursement rates and efficient operations, “Senior Steps” is projected to be financially sustainable.
• Community Benefit: This service will improve the overall health and well-being of the geriatric population within the community.
• Competitive Advantage: The service differentiates the facility from other healthcare providers and enhances its reputation.

This mini business plan provides a foundation for launching “Senior Steps.” A more detailed feasibility study and market analysis will be conducted to refine the projections and ensure the success of the service.