Morrison Healthcare and Cleveland Clinic partnered to study the feasibility of a MTM program at a major healthcare institution by utilizing only internal investments.
Morrison Healthcare partnered with Cleveland Clinic to study the impact and feasibility of Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) programs, which deliver tailored and personalized meals to meet the therapeutic needs of patients afflicted by diseases such as obesity, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies. Over the course of three months, 60 participants received 14 frozen meals per week. To best understand the financial viability of the program, Cleveland Clinic used only internal resources to fund the program.
Medically tailored meal programs run by hospitals promote patient satisfaction, reduce hospital visits, and decrease patient healthcare costs, especially in vulnerable populations. Providing healthy, frozen meals over an extended period is feasible and large health systems should consider implementing a MTM program to address chronic disease prevention and general health among vulnerable populations.
Monica Yepes-Rios, M.D. Medical Director, Community Health & Food As Medicine, Cleveland Clinic
Research shows that access to MTMs is associated with significant reductions in healthcare utilization. By ensuring that individuals receive balanced, nutrient-dense meals aligned with their medical needs, MTMs help prevent disease complications, stabilize conditions and support overall well-being. According to the study, participants who took advantage of MTMs saw a 30% decrease in Emergency Department visits and a 37% decrease in inpatient length of stay. The reduction in hospitalizations is particularly important, as chronic disease complications often lead to costly inpatient care and repeated emergency visits.
MTMs help patients manage their medical conditions and support overall well-being leading to fewer hospital admissions, shorter stays, and fewer emergency visits, all of which contribute to lower healthcare costs. Studies show that MTMs result in significant savings. On average, participants in our study saved $12,046 in healthcare costs while enrolled in the program. For insurers and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, investing in MTMs can improve patient outcomes while cutting long-term costs. By integrating MTMs into care models, healthcare systems can shift from reactive treatments to proactive disease prevention, fostering a more efficient and sustainable system.
MTMs help patients follow prescribed diets without the stress of meal planning, shopping, or cooking.
MTMs also contribute to better health outcomes, leading to fewer hospital visits. Patients often report feeling more supported, confident in managing their conditions. They learn what meals are healthy and compatible with their medical conditions, learning new skills and adopting healthier eating patterns. By addressing nutritional and logistical barriers, MTMs create a patient-centered healthcare approach that enhances the overall experience.
Bringing a Medically Tailored Meals program to life can benefit patients and the hospital. The full study from Cleveland Clinic and Morrison Healthcare is available to view and download here.
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