The Importance of Field Care Delivery to Society
Welcome to the first installment of our In the Field blog series, where we explore the challenges and rewards of delivering care beyond traditional healthcare settings. As healthcare continues to evolve, field care delivery is becoming a crucial component in ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality, and accessible care.
What is Field Care Delivery?
Field care delivery has deep historical roots in the United States. In earlier times, it was common for a local physician to make house calls, carrying a black bag filled with medical essentials. This personalized, community-based approach to medicine ensured that people received the care they needed, even if they couldn’t travel to a doctor’s office.
While the modern healthcare landscape has changed dramatically, the need for care beyond hospital walls remains essential. Today, field care delivery encompasses a wide range of services provided in various settings, including:
In-home care – Services such as home health, hospice, physical therapy, and chronic disease management.
Workplace visits – Occupational health services, wellness screenings, and mobile primary care.
Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities – Regular check-ups, wound care, and therapy services.
Community-based care – Mobile health clinics, school health programs, and emergency response services.
As patients (or care customers, including members, beneficiaries, and claimants) move through their healthcare journeys, many providers travel alongside them. A home health nurse may visit a patient recovering from surgery, while a care manager might coordinate services for a resident in a skilled nursing facility. Some primary care providers and nurse case managers even visit workplaces to ensure employees receive the medical attention they need.
The concept of being “in the field” simply means healthcare professionals providing services wherever they are needed most.
This blog series will delve into the importance of field care delivery, the market trends driving its growth, and the challenges providers face in this evolving space.
Why is Field Care Delivery Growing?
The demand for field care delivery is increasing at a rapid pace. Healthcare is no longer confined to hospitals and clinics—patients now expect care to be more accessible, convenient, and tailored to their individual needs.
A recent survey of more than 100 senior hospital and health system leaders revealed that two-thirds of organizations currently offer some form of at-home care services. Additionally, most recognize the need to invest in technology that enables these services to expand further.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, decentralization of healthcare is a key focus for health sector reform. The goal is to improve efficiency, enhance service quality, and promote accountability in local healthcare systems. This shift toward decentralization is being driven by several key factors:
1. Rising Consumer Demand for Personalized Care
Modern healthcare is becoming more consumer-driven. Patients today expect flexibility, convenience, and personalized care that fits their lifestyles. Many are seeking alternatives to long wait times at clinics and hospitals, preferring care services that come to them instead.
2. A Rapidly Aging Population
The number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050—a staggering 47% increase. This aging population will require more home-based and long-term care solutions to maintain their health and independence.
3. Advances in Healthcare Technology
Technology is making it easier than ever to provide medical services outside of traditional healthcare facilities. Telehealth, remote monitoring, and mobile medical equipment allow healthcare professionals to offer efficient, real-time care from virtually anywhere.
4. The Rise of Chronic Disease
Chronic illnesses are on the rise, increasing the need for continuous, long-term care. Currently, 31.5% of Americans live with two or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or depression. Among those over 65, the number jumps to 80%.
For many patients, regular hospital visits aren’t practical—or necessary. Instead, field care delivery helps manage chronic diseases more effectively by providing care directly in a patient’s home or community.
5. The High Cost of Healthcare
The U.S. spent $4.5 trillion on healthcare in 2022—equating to about $13,493 per person. With costs continuing to rise, there is increasing pressure to find cost-effective alternatives to traditional hospital-based care.
By expanding field care delivery, healthcare systems can reduce hospital admissions, lower emergency room visits, and improve overall care coordination, ultimately saving both patients and providers money.
6. Supportive Policies & Regulations
Government initiatives are playing a significant role in shaping the future of field care delivery. Policies like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and programs led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasize the need for value-based care, care coordination, and preventive health measures.
By supporting field care initiatives, policymakers are helping improve access to essential health services while also driving innovation in healthcare delivery models.
The Future of Field Care Delivery
As healthcare continues to evolve, field care delivery is expected to become even more prominent. The combination of patient demand, technological advancements, and policy support is pushing healthcare beyond traditional settings—bringing high-quality care directly to those who need it most.
By focusing on convenience, accessibility, and efficiency, field care delivery is not just a trend—it’s the future of healthcare.
What’s Next?
In our next blog post, we’ll spotlight the challenges and rewards of delivering care in the last mile.
Stay tuned for insights you won’t want to miss!