Lehigh Valley Health Network launches mobile health care coach to improve access

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A Conversation With: Dr. Eric Bean, system director of neighborhood hospitals and medical director of connected care and innovation at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a part of Jefferson Health 

LVB: Lehigh Valley Health Network recently launched a mobile health care coach. What is the benefit of having such a service? 

 Bean: The Jefferson Mobile Coach brings healthcare directly to people where they live, work, learn, and gather.  

We know for many individuals barriers such as transportation, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, or limited access to healthcare services can delay needed care. 

 The Mobile Coach helps bridge those gaps by providing convenient access to preventive care, screenings, vaccinations, health education, and connections to additional healthcare resources.  

By meeting people in their communities, we can identify health concerns earlier, support healthier lifestyles, and connect individuals with appropriate follow-up care before issues become more serious.  

Ultimately, the goal is to improve community health, reduce disparities in access, and make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone. 

 LVB: Who are you hoping to reach? 

 Bean: Our goal is to serve the entire Northampton County community, with a particular focus on individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services.  

This includes underserved populations, working adults who struggle to attend appointments during business hours, seniors, children in school, and people who may not have an established relationship with a primary care provider. 

We also see the Mobile Coach as a resource for employers, schools, community organizations, faith-based groups, and public events where we can provide preventive services and health education to large numbers of people in a convenient setting. 

 LVB: How does a company arrange to have a visit? 

 Bean: Employers, community organizations, schools, municipalities, and other groups interested in hosting the Mobile Coach can contact our team through our website.  

We work collaboratively with organizations to understand their goals, determine the services that would be most beneficial for their population, identify a suitable location, and coordinate scheduling. 

 The Mobile Coach is designed to be flexible, allowing us to tailor services to the specific needs of each organization and the communities they serve. 

 LVB: What are the costs involved? 

 Bean: Costs vary depending on the services being provided, the duration of the event, and the needs of the sponsoring organization.  

In many cases, preventive services may be billed through a participant’s insurance when appropriate, while certain community outreach, screening, education, or public health initiatives can have alternative forms of funding. 

 Because each event is unique, organizations interested in hosting the Mobile Coach are encouraged to contact us directly, so we can discuss their needs and provide guidance on available service options and any associated costs.