Lee Health, county launch expanded Community Paramedicine Program at Cape Coral Hospital
The Lee Board of County Commissioners recently approved an agreement with Lee Health to expand Lee County’s Community Paramedicine Program, further advancing the health system’s mission to ensure timely access to care for all.
The program started this month at Cape Coral Hospital, initially focusing on patients with sepsis and congestive heart failure. The pilot program will expand in the future to cover other locations in the county.
The program employs a multidisciplinary team, including emergency medicine technicians (EMTs), paramedics, case managers and social workers to provide in-home care. This approach aims to reduce non-critical ambulance trips, emergency department visits for conditions less likely to worsen or cause complications and meet the needs of Southwest Florida’s increasing population.
By reducing these types of visits, the program is intended to bring impactful care to patients in need and also reduce unnecessary emergency medical services transport, emergency department over-utilization, hospital readmission, assist with access to care, and improve community relations by building and expanding post-acute services as individuals recover from a serious injury or illness.
Non-emergent patients who are eligible for the program include patients who are at risk of falls or hospital readmission, have a high utilization of the emergency department and hospital services, have limited caregiver support, and lack post-discharge healthcare resources.
The goal for this program is to keep patients from returning to the hospital for follow-up care, accelerating recovery and enhancing overall health.
“We’re proud to partner with Lee County to bring care directly into patients’ homes,” said Lee Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser. “By reducing unnecessary ambulance trips for non-critical injuries and illnesses, this program ensures patients receive the right care at the right time while making sure they have all they need for a successful recovery at home. Collaborating with dedicated first responders and like-minded community partners allows us to provide personalized, in-home care that helps patients recover safely and comfortably, improving health outcomes and strengthening our community.”
In 2024, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement to launch the first phase of this program in coordination with the Florida Department of Children and Families, which has exceeded its initial goals.
Learn more about the expanded Community Paramedicine Program.