In the Field: Exploring Care Coordination Beyond Traditional Healthcare
Welcome back to the second installment of our In the Field blog series! This series shines a light on the challenges and rewards of delivering care in the last mile—where healthcare meets individuals in their homes and communities, beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics.
Today, we’re diving into the many types of care delivered in the field and how care coordination services are evolving to meet the dynamic needs of individuals.
The Many Dimensions of Healthcare
Health is never one-dimensional. It’s influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and even spiritual factors. Needs can shift suddenly—due to injury, illness, or a life event—or evolve gradually over time. That’s why healthcare isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about addressing the whole person.
As we move toward a more patient-centered approach, care delivery must adapt to be just as dynamic and multifaceted as the needs it serves. This means embracing a variety of services—some of which require medical prescriptions and others that focus on wellness and prevention. In fact, more people are choosing to pay out of pocket for services that promote long-term well-being, from massage therapy to nutrition management to home-based strength training.
With these shifts, the types of care delivered in the field continue to expand, fueled by advancements in technology, innovative service models, and changing patient preferences.
The Growth of In-Home Healthcare Services
Two of the largest and most well-known sectors of field-based care are home healthcare and hospice care—and both are experiencing significant growth.
The U.S. is home to 35,000 home health companies, serving approximately 15 million patients and delivering more than 600 million visits annually.
The home healthcare market was valued at $90 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $146 billion by 2028.
The hospice care market was estimated at $37 billion in 2023, with an expected rise to $60 billion by 2030.
Beyond home healthcare and hospice, the return of house calls is making a strong comeback. The market for in-home medical visits is expected to grow from $538 million in 2022 to $831 million by 2030—a reflection of the increasing demand for more personalized, convenient care.
And the Hospital-at-Home model—which allows patients to receive acute-level hospital care in their own homes—is projected to grow from $200 billion in 2023 to $300 billion by 2028. This model has been shown to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
A Growing Landscape of Care Services
While home healthcare and hospice care play a significant role, they are just a fraction of the care services being delivered in the field today. From rehabilitation to mental health support, the breadth of in-home and community-based care continues to expand.
Types of Field-Based Care Services:
Medical & Clinical Care
Home Health
Hospice
Hospital in the Home
Palliative Care
Primary Care
Medication Management
Home Infusion Therapy
Phlebotomy
Pulmonary Services
Therapy & Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Mental & Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services
Counseling
Care Management & Case Management
Wellness & Preventative Services
Strength and Conditioning
Nutrition Management & Support
Massage Therapy
Health and Wellness Coaching
Support Services
Caregiving & Long-Term Support Services
Transitions of Care Management
Senior Support Services
VA Services
This list is far from exhaustive, but it paints a picture of how vast and diverse field-based healthcare has become.
What’s Next?
As care delivery continues to evolve, so do the methods used to provide services in the field. In our next post, we’ll explore the innovative ways care providers are reaching patients—whether through telehealth, mobile clinics, or on-demand home visits.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the future of care beyond traditional healthcare settings!