West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health and Langhorne, Pa.-based Woods System of Care have opened an integrated clinic in Hamilton, N.J., focused on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism.
The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center is the first of its kind in the state and aims to address longstanding healthcare access gaps for this population, according to a Dec. 17 news release. The initiative brings together physical and behavioral health services in a coordinated care model based on the Medical Center at Woods in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania model demonstrated measurable results, including a more than 20% reduction in emergency room visits and nearly 40% decrease in hospitalization. The long-term goal is to reduce pressure on local emergency departments.
The Hamilton clinic offers primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health evaluations, screenings, therapy and access to specialists within the RWJBarnabas Health network. The center also supports patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, according to the release.
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