Less crowded emergency rooms and faster Beaumont EMS response times are on the horizon, according to Beaumont Fire Chief Earl White, as he anticipates a new health care partnership with Right Site Health within the next 60 – 90 days.
White introduced Chief Commercial Officer Clayton Wahlberg of Right Site Health at the March 18 Beaumont City Council meeting, where Wahlberg explained how the company’s partnership with emergency medical services (EMS) could enhance efficiency, lower health care costs, and better serve residents – especially those facing barriers to accessing care.
According to Wahlberg, about 50% of 911 calls are for non-emergent issues that do not require ambulance transport to an emergency room. Common cases include minor infections, twisted ankles or conditions that could be treated at a primary care provider, specialist or urgent care facility. Right Site partners with EMS departments to offer a real-time telemedicine solution that connects patients with emergency medicine physicians and social care navigators.
“This ensures that patients receive the right level of care without overburdening emergency departments,” Wahlberg said.
When EMS personnel arrive at a call, they conduct an initial triage to determine whether the situation is emergent or non-emergent. If the case is non-emergent, the patient still has the option of being transported to an Emergency Room for care as usual but is also offered an immediate virtual consultation with a physician via a telehealth screen. Wahlberg noted more than 90% of patients agree to the consultation.
The physician provides medical advice, determines an appropriate treatment plan, and – if necessary – arranges follow-up care. If transportation is an issue, Right Site coordinates a ride, often using ride-share services like Uber, or tapping into non-emergency medical transport programs available through health plans.
Beyond the initial visit, Right Site continues patient follow-ups for up to 14 days to ensure they receive necessary medical attention, prescriptions or supplies. If a patient lacks access to critical medical items, such as an ACE bandage for a sprained ankle, Right Site arranges for delivery.
While White emphasized that the service will be for all community members, exclusions apply for pregnancy services, persons in police custody, patients already in the hospital and those experiencing a mental health crisis.
“Other than those exclusions,” White insisted, “all low acuity non-emergent patients will be offered the telehealth services, but they will still have the option to proceed to the ER; it will not be forced on anyone.”
Wahlberg shared that, in Texas alone, their program has redirected 87% of non-emergent 911 calls away from ERs to ensure ambulances remain available for true emergencies, while also providing a cost-effective alternative for patients. From a financial standpoint, Wahlberg explained that health plans, such as Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers, cover the cost of Right Site’s services. For uninsured patients – who make up an estimated 20% of Beaumont’s population – Right Site operates on a health-equity model similar to EMS services, ensuring care is provided regardless of insurance status. Wahlberg confirmed that there would be no cost incurred by the city for these services.
“Once an agreement is signed and all training is complete with dispatch as well as field personnel, the new service will be activated; we’re moving toward rolling it out within the next 60-90 days,” said White. “I think this is going to be a win for our community, and they’re going to get care quicker.”