CareSource Partners with RightSite Health to Improve Access to Care and Reduce Strain on Georgia Hospitals

Helping Georgians avoid unnecessary ER trips by connecting them to the right care in the right place at the right time.

CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization, and RightSite Health have partnered to improve patient outcomes and ease the strain on Georgia’s crowded emergency rooms (ER) by connecting non-emergency 911 callers with a board-certified ER doctor and social drivers of health (SDOH) navigator who can virtually assess through a telehealth platform and guide them to the most appropriate, cost-effective care.

While ERs are designed for life-threatening emergencies, many people turn to them for non-emergent needs simply because they lack access, transportation, or awareness of alternative options. This can burden hospitals and EMS systems and leave patients without the most effective care for their condition. Through this program, Georgians are connected with care options that better meet their needs — whether that’s a telehealth visit, urgent care, behavioral health services or a primary care provider.

“Reducing unnecessary ER visits improves access and outcomes for our members. As just one example, this program has helped many of our members establish a relationship with a primary care physician who can manage their long-term health,” said Shelonda Agee, VP network strategy and contracting, CareSource Georgia. “Our partnership with RightSite Health is connecting Georgians with high quality care, while easing pressure on ERs and freeing EMS to focus on emergencies.”

To strengthen long-term health, the program goes beyond the immediate encounter by helping patients build sustained relationships with community-based providers. RightSite’s ER physicians and SDOH navigators coordinate follow-up appointments, referrals, and ongoing communication to ensure continuity of care and connection to appropriate community resources.

Critically, the program also addresses the social drivers of health (SDOH) that often drive people to call 911 in the first place. Follow-up support includes helping patients access transportation, delivering over-the-counter medications to their homes, assisting with medication management and connecting them with community resources to overcome financial or social barriers. To date, follow-up teams have successfully reached more than 70% of participating CareSource members, with nearly 80% receiving additional help addressing SDOH needs.

Since launching in January 2024, the program has helped 95% of 911 callers avoid an ambulance trip and diverted 84% of eligible CareSource members away from the ER to more appropriate care setting. Additionally, the program received a 9.5 out of 10 member-satisfaction score and provided meaningful follow-up support for families across the state.

“By meeting patients where they are, our ER physicians and SDOH navigators solve immediate health concerns while also tackling the root causes — like transportation or challenges scheduling with a primary care provider — that often drive people to call 911 unnecessarily,” said Jamo Rubin, RightSite Health CEO. “This partnership ensures patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

The partnership connects Georgians who call 911 for non-emergent issues with a RightSite Health ER physician and SDOH navigator through an on-the-spot telehealth visit. If the patient agrees, the physician assesses their needs while the navigator coordinates the most appropriate care by helping callers overcome their barriers to care.

By diverting patients to the right care setting and addressing the social drivers behind many 911 calls, CareSource and RightSite Health are improving health outcomes, supporting EMS response and creating healthier communities across Georgia.

About CareSource Georgia

CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 430,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members' health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care. 

For more, visit us at www.caresource.com/ga/plans/, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. 

About RightSite Health

RightSite Health partners with 911/EMS agencies to help non-emergent callers at the moment of need, providing on-demand ER physician telehealth and social-determinant navigation. By guiding non-emergency patients away from costly ER visits, RightSite delivers better, more affordable care, frees up EMS for true emergencies, and eases the burden on public safety and taxpayers.

For more, visit us at rightsitehealth.com.