Primary Medicine
Primary care refers to the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services. It encompasses a wide range of medical services including preventive care, health maintenance, diagnosis, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and coordination of care with other healthcare providers. Primary care is responsible for managing a patient's overall health and well-being, addressing both physical and mental health needs.
Medicare considers a patient homebound if:
1. You need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave your home, or your doctor believes that your health or illness could get worse if you leave your home.
2. And, it is difficult for you to leave your home and you typically cannot do so.
Providing primary medical services at home offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall well-being and convenience of patients. Offering primary medicine services at home can be advantageous.
ACCESSIBILITY. Home-based primary care ensures access to medical services for individuals who have difficulty traveling to a clinic or hospital, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with chronic illnesses.
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE. Patients often feel more comfortable and relaxed in their own homes, which can lead to better communication with our healthcare providers and improved outcomes. It also eliminates the stress and inconvenience of traveling to a medical facility.
IMPROVED CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT. For patients with chronic conditions, home-based primary care allows for more frequent monitoring, timely intervention, and education on disease management strategies, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
REDUCED RISK OF INFECTION. Home-based care reduces the risk of exposure to infectious diseases that patients may encounter in healthcare facility, particularly important for those with compromised immune systems.
IMPROVED CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT.
For patients with chronic conditions, home-based primary care allows for more frequent monitoring, timely intervention, and education on disease management strategies, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT. Home-based care enables greater involvement of family members or caregivers in the patient's treatment plan, fostering a supportive environment and enhancing the continuity of care.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS. In some cases, home-based primary care can be more cost-effective than traditional hospital or clinic visits, especially for patients with complex medical needs who require frequent follow-ups.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT. Home-based care enables greater involvement of family members or caregivers in the patient's treatment plan, fostering a supportive environment and enhancing the continuity of care.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS. In some cases, home-based primary care can be more cost-effective than traditional hospital or clinic visits, especially for patients with complex medical needs who require frequent follow-ups.
PERSONALIZED CARE. Our providers will provide personalized care tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each patient in their home environment. This personalized approach can lead to better treatment adherence and health outcomes.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS. Our providers will conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' living conditions and home environments, which may uncover factors contributing to their health issues that would otherwise be missed in a clinical setting.
PREVENTIVE CARE OPPORTUNITIES. Our providers will identify and address potential health risks and safety hazards in the home environment, providing education and interventions to prevent future health problems.
PATIENT SATISFACTION. Studies have shown that patients often report high levels of satisfaction with home-based primary care services due to the personalized attention, convenience and comfort it provides.
Providing primary medicine services at home aligns with patient-centered care principles and can lead to improved outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and better utilization of healthcare resources.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. It involves managing symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath, as well as addressing psychological and social needs. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment and is not dependent on prognosis. It aims to provide holistic support to patients and their families.
Providing palliative care services at home offers numerous advantages that make it an ideal setting for many patients. Here are some reasons why home-based palliative care can be highly beneficial:
COMFORT & FAMILIARITY. Patients receiving palliative care at home are able to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by their loved ones, which can provide significant physical, emotional and psychological support during a challenging time.
QUALITY OF LIFE. Home-based palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Being at home allows patients to maintain autonomy and dignity while receiving personalized care tailored to their preferences.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT. Home-based palliative care encourages the involvement of family members and caregivers in the care process, fostering a supportive environment and enhancing the patient's overall well-being. Family members can provide valuable assistance and emotional support to the patient and collaborate closely with the healthcare team to ensure the patient's comfort and wishes are respected.
INDIVIDUAL CARE PLANS. Palliative care provided in the home allows for the development of highly individualized care plans that take into account the patient's unique needs, values and goals. Our providers work closely with the patient and their family to develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses symptom control, psychosocial support and spiritual care.
SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT. Home-based palliative care enables our providers to closely monitor and manage the patient's symptoms in real-time, making timely adjustments to medications and treatment strategies as needed. This proactive approach to symptom management helps improve the patient's comfort and overall quality of life.
REDUCED HOSPITALIZATIONS. Home-based palliative care helps reduce the need for hospitalizations and emergency room visits, as many symptoms and complications can be effectively managed at home with the appropriate support and resources. Early intervention is key and will lead to better continuity of care, lower healthcare costs, and a decreased burden on the patient and their family.
RESPECT FOR PATIENT PREFERENCES. Providing palliative care at home allows patients to maintain greater control over their care and make decisions that align with their values and preferences. Patients have the opportunity to participate in discussions about their treatment options, advance care planning and end-of-life decisions in a comfortable and supportive environment.
EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL SUPPORT. Home-based palliative care addresses not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. Our providers offer compassionate support and counseling to patients and their families, helping them cope with the emotional challenges of serious illness and end-of-life issues.
ENHANCED COMMUNICATION. Being in a home setting facilities open and honest communication between patients, families and our providers, leading to better understanding, trust, and shared decision-making. This communication is essential for ensuring that the patient's goals and preferences are respected throughout the palliative care journey. Our patients are provided with their providers cell phone number.
Overall, providing palliative care at home offers numerous benefits for patients and their families, including enhanced comfort, improved quality of life, increased family involvement, and greater respect for patient preferences and values. It allows patients to receive personalized, holistic care in a supportive and familiar environment, helping them maintain dignity and quality of life.
End of Life
"End of Life" refers to the final stage of an individual's life, typically when they are facing a terminal illness or advanced age and nearing death. During this period, the focus of care shifts towards ensuring comfort, dignity and quality of life for the patient. End-of-life care involves comprehensive support that addresses physical symptoms, emotional needs and spiritual concerns. It includes effective pain and symptom management, compassionate communication, advance care planning, family support, cultural sensitivity, and coordination of care among our providers. The goal of end-of-life care is to help patients live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible while ensuring their wishes are respected and their dignity is maintained.
Wound Care
Providing wound care involves the assessment, treatment and management of wounds to promote healing and prevent complications. The key steps in wound care are:
ASSESSMENT: We begin by assessing the wound's size, depth, location and characteristics, such as color, odor and drainage. We evaluate for signs of infection including redness, swelling, warmth and pain.
CLEANING: We clean the wound gently with mild soap and water or a wound cleanser to remove debris, bacteria and dead tissue. Then, use a clean, non-toxic solution and avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage healthy tissue.
DEBRIDEMENT: If necessary, debride the wound to remove necrotic (dead) tissue, which can impede healing and increase the risk of infection. Debridement methods may include sharp debridement (using a scalpel or scissors), mechanical debridement (using a wet-to-dry dressing), enzymatic debridement (using topical enzymes), or autolytic debridement (allowing the body's enzymes to break down necrotic tissue).
DRESSING SELECTION: Our providers will choose an appropriate dressing based on the type and characteristics of the wound. Dressings may vary depending on factors such as wound size, depth, exudate (fluid) level, and presence of infection. Common types of dressings include gauze, hydrocolloids, foams, hydrogels, alginates and films.
INFECTION CONTROL: Our team monitors the wound for signs of infection and implement appropriate measures to prevent or treat infection. This may include topical or systemic antibiotics, antimicrobial dressings and wound irrigation with antiseptic solutions.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: We assess and manage pain associated with the wound using appropriate analgesic medications, topical agents, or non-pharmacological interventions. Consider the patient's pain tolerance, preferences, and any underlying conditions that may affect pain perception.
EDUCATION & FOLLOW-UP: Providing education to the patient and caregivers on proper wound care techniques, signs of complications, and when to seek medical attention is vital. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the wound's progress, adjust treatment as needed and address any concerns or questions.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT: We ensure the patient receives adequate nutrition to support wound healing. We will evaluate the patient's dietary intake and provide recommendations for optimizing protein, vitamins, minerals and hydration.
COLLABORATIVE CARE: TUMI collaborates with other healthcare professional such as physicians, nurses and therapists to develop a comprehensive wound care plan tailored to the patient's needs and goals.
We specialize in managing many types of wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, nonhealing surgical wounds, chronic wounds, arterial ulcers, venous stasis ulcers and traumatic wounds.
Providing thorough wound care promotes healing, reduces the risk of complications and improves the patient's overall quality of life.
Experts in Services
TUMI Medical Corporation has expertise in managing a variety of medical devises and procedures, including but not limited, to peg tubs, trach collars, and different types of catheters. We offer injectable medications as well.
PEG Tubes
PEG Tubs (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy) are inserted into the stomach through the abdominal wall to provide nutrition and medication to patients who are unable to swallow or eat normally. They are commonly used in individuals with conditions such as dysphagia, neurological disorders or cancer. Our providers have experience in inserting, managing and monitoring PEG tubs, as well as providing education to patients and caregivers on proper care and maintenance.
Trach Collars
Trach collars are devises used to provide supplemental oxygen or humidified air to patients with tracheostomies, which are surgical openings in the neck created to bypass upper airway obstructions or provide long-term mechanical ventilation. Trach collars deliver oxygen directly to the tracheostomy tube, helping to improve oxygenation and respiratory function. Our providers have experience in assessing and managing tracheostomies, as well as monitoring patients for complications such as infections or airway obstruction.
Catheters
Catheters are flexible tubes inserted into the body to drain urine, administer medications or perform diagnostic procedures. There are various types of catheters, including urinary catheters (such as Foley catheters), central venous catheters, and arterial catheters. Our providers are experienced in inserting, managing and monitoring catheters, as well as preventing catheter-related infections and complications.
________
With experience in overseeing these medical devices and procedures, our providers are well-equipped to deliver all-encompassing care to patients who require them. This includes ensuring proper insertion, monitoring for complications, providing education to patients and caregivers, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals as needed. Furthermore, injectable medications play a vital role in the management of various medical conditions, providing patients with effective and targeted therapy to improve their health outcomes and quality of life. TUMI is committed to delivering high-quality injectable medications as part of its patient-centered approach to care.
Injectable Medications
Our medical practice offers injectable medications that are administered directly into the body through various routes, including intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), or intradermal (ID) injection. The route of administration depends on factors such as the medication's formulation, therapeutic indication, and patient's condition.
Injectable medications are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions including infections, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, pain management and cancer therapy. They may be prescribed as standalone treatments or as part of a complete treatment regimen involving other medications, therapies or procedures.
Injectable medications offer several advantages, including rapid onset of action, predictable absorption and bioavailability, convenient dosing schedules, and improved medication adherence. They may also be preferred in cases where oral administration is not feasible, such as patients with gastrointestinal disorders or difficulty swallowing.
Our providers ensure safe and appropriate administration of injectable medications by trained healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses or pharmacists. Patients receive education on proper injection technique, storage requirements, potential side effects, and self-monitoring instructions as needed.
Other services TUMI provides...
Our TUMI team provides the same care and services one would receive in a medical office. We are committed to providing convenient and accessible healthcare services by offering at-home testing of blood draws, urine samples and cultures, X-Rays, and other diagnostic tools. By bringing these essential services directly to patients' homes, we help improve access to care, enhance patient comfort and convenience, and promote early detection and management of health conditions.
Read on to learn more about the services we offer:
At Home Blood Draws
Our medical practice offers the convenience of at-home blood draw services for patients who may have difficulty traveling to a healthcare facility. A trained phlebotomist or nurse visits the patient's home to collect blood samples for various diagnostic tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panels, lipid profiles, and glucose monitoring. This service is particularly beneficial for elderly, disabled or homebound patients who require regular blood testing.
At Home Urine Samples & Cultures
Our medical practice also provides at-home collection for urine samples and cultures. This service allows for the detection of urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney function tests, and other urinary abnormalities without the need for a clinic visit.
At-Home X-Rays
Our medical practice offers mobile X-Ray services, bringing diagnostic imaging technology directly to the patient's home or residential facility. This service is particularly beneficial for patients who are bedridden, immobile, or unable to travel to a radiology center. Trained radiologic technologists use portable X-Ray equipment to capture high-quality images of the patient's bones, chest, or other body parts as needed for diagnostic and treatment planning.
Other Diagnostic Tools
In addition to blood draws, urine samples, and X-Rays, our practice offers other diagnostic services at home or through mobile units. This may include electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) to assess heart function, ultrasound imaging for abdominal or vascular studies, and portable spirometry for lung function testing. These diagnostic tools allow for comprehensive evaluation and monitoring of patients' health conditions in the comfort of their own homes.