Reducing Winter ER Visits with In-Home Clinical Assessments

Winter reliably brings a surge in emergency room (ER) visits, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic or complex health needs. Seasonal respiratory illnesses, weather-related barriers and limited access to primary care all contribute to avoidable ER utilization during colder months.

For more than 25 years, Matrix Medical Network has delivered in-home clinical assessments that identify emerging risks, support early intervention and advance whole-person care. This winter, proactive in-home outreach is an essential strategy for helping risk-bearing organizations reduce preventable ER visits and keep vulnerable members safe at home.

Why ER Visits Increase During Winter

High-risk individuals face circumstances that make winter a challenging season, including:

• Elevated rates of influenza, RSV and pneumonia
• Chronic condition exacerbations such as COPD or heart failure
• Falls due to weather conditions
• Lack of awareness of alternative care options

Early identification and intervention can prevent many of these issues, especially when clinicians meet members where they are with in-home assessments.

How In-Home Clinical Assessments Reduce Avoidable ER Utilization

Matrix clinicians deliver whole-person, in-home assessments that give unparalleled insight into medical, behavioral and environmental risks through proactive care coordination.

1. Early Detection of Seasonal and Chronic Risks

Subtle but important medical changes often precede winter emergencies. Identifying these indicators early allows for timely follow-up and care navigation.

2. Home Environment Insights

In-home visits reveal safety hazards, heating concerns, nutrition challenges and other environmental factors that commonly contribute to winter-related health issues.

3. Medication Review and Adherence Support

Winter disruptions can lead to unfilled prescriptions, missed doses or confusion. Clinicians review medications, identify gaps and address barriers like refill access.

4. Guidance to the Right Level of Care

Members often default to the ER when they’re unsure of alternatives. In-home clinicians help direct individuals to urgent care, virtual care or primary care when appropriate.

Matrix’s dependable care coordination model has proven to enhance the patient experience, improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness and help patients and clinicians better manage chronic conditions

Supporting Members with a Whole-Person Approach

Every Matrix assessment is designed to uncover and address the full picture of a member’s health by screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity or unsafe home conditions, evaluating behavioral health concerns including seasonal depression and anxiety and providing education on the early symptoms of respiratory illness. Clinicians also assist members with coordinating follow-up appointments and maintaining communication with care teams to ensure timely, coordinated interventions. This proactive, whole-person model helps prevent emerging issues from escalating into ER-level emergencies.

Keeping Members Safe This Winter And Beyond

Avoidable ER visits can be significantly reduced when risks are identified early and addressed proactively. In-home clinical assessments play a critical role in supporting vulnerable individuals during the winter season — enabling early intervention, reducing preventable hospital use, and enhancing whole-person care.