In the Field: Delivery Methods, Scope, and Providers
Welcome to the third installment of our "Care in the Field" series, where we delve into the vital and often under appreciated role that field care delivery plays in improving health outcomes, reducing costs, and addressing the growing healthcare needs of diverse populations.
When people think about innovation in healthcare, their minds often jump to high-tech equipment, AI-powered diagnostics, or cutting-edge treatments in prestigious hospitals. While these advancements are important, they represent only part of the solution. The foundation of an effective, equitable healthcare system isn't confined to hospital walls or virtual care platforms—it’s embedded in the communities we live in. It’s in the field, where care is delivered directly to people where they are, often in their homes or in community-based settings.
Field care delivery is an essential yet frequently overlooked pillar of our healthcare infrastructure. It encompasses a wide range of services—from home healthcare and hospice care to mobile clinics, community paramedicine, and neighborhood-based nursing programs. For a deeper look into the types of services provided, check out our previous blog post here. Without these field-based services, millions of people—particularly seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, and those living in rural or underserved areas—would struggle to access the care they need.
Methods of Field Care Delivery
There are various methods through which care and care coordination are delivered in the field, each tailored to meet patients where they are and to address their unique health needs. These methods ensure flexibility, accessibility, and efficiency in care delivery. Here’s a breakdown:
Driving – Mobility is a cornerstone of field care. Home healthcare providers alone drive more than 5 billion miles annually, ensuring patients receive care in the comfort and familiarity of their homes.
Telephonic – Simple yet effective, phone-based care enables providers to assess, educate, and follow up with patients, especially those without internet access.
Telehealth – Through video calls via apps or portals, telehealth extends the reach of providers and allows for real-time consultations, assessments, and care planning without the need for physical travel.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) – Devices like scales, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters collect and transmit real-time health data back to providers, allowing for proactive management of chronic conditions.
Administrative – Behind-the-scenes work, including documentation, emails, secure messaging, and care team coordination, ensures continuity and quality of care.
Data and Analytics – Analysis of health data and trends enables providers to personalize care plans, predict potential issues, and improve outcomes through evidence-based decisions.
The Scope of Field Care Delivery
The reach and impact of field care delivery cannot be overstated. As healthcare continues to shift toward more patient-centered, value-based models, field care plays an increasingly critical role. Here are some key areas where field care makes a difference:
Home Healthcare – Serving over 5 million Americans annually, home health is one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare, fueled by an aging population and a preference for aging in place.
Chronic Disease Management – Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and more require continuous monitoring and care, often delivered by field-based nurses, therapists, and aides who help prevent complications and hospitalizations.
Hospice and Palliative Care – These services provide compassionate end-of-life care, helping individuals spend their final days in peace, comfort, and dignity, often surrounded by loved ones at home.
Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation – Transitioning from hospital to home, many patients benefit from in-home rehab services that support faster recovery and help avoid costly readmissions.
Care in Rural and Underserved Areas – Mobile clinics, visiting providers, and community health programs are lifelines for those in remote areas where traditional healthcare access is limited.
Field Care and Care Coordination Service Providers
Delivering care in the field requires a diverse and skilled workforce. Providers in this space include a broad range of healthcare professionals, each playing a unique role in ensuring comprehensive, patient-centered care:
Clinical Providers: Nurses (RNs, LPNs, NPs), medical assistants, home health aides, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, community health workers, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists, and even strength and conditioning coaches.
Unlicensed Caregivers: Providing essential support with activities of daily living, companionship, and non-medical care that greatly enhances quality of life.
These individuals work across a wide spectrum of organizations and payment models, including:
Fee-for-service and private pay providers
Value-based care organizations
Primary care practices and health systems
Third-party administrators (TPAs)
Nursing homes and integrated delivery networks (IDNs)
Home health and hospice agencies
Clinics and hospitals
Self-insured employers
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
Health plans with care management programs
“Payviders”—organizations that both provide care and take on financial risk
Closing Thoughts
The future of healthcare isn't just high-tech—it’s high-touch. It’s about meeting people where they are, understanding their unique needs, and delivering care that’s accessible, personalized, and compassionate. As we move forward, investing in field care delivery isn’t just a smart strategy—it’s an essential one.
By supporting field-based care and the providers who make it possible, we’re building a healthcare system that prioritizes people over processes, outcomes over outputs, and care over convenience.
Let’s champion a healthcare future that works everywhere—especially in the places where it’s needed most.