Addressing the Escalating Need for Better Senior Care: A Conversation with Rippl
In this episode of the Revenue Innovation Series, we are pleased to welcome Kris Engskov, co-founder and CEO of Rippl, a new kind of mental health company focused on seniors with mental health challenges, especially neurocognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, who are overlooked and under cared for, often without access to high quality, real-time, practical care. Rippl is creating a path to address the urgent and escalating needs of these senior citizens. In an enlightening conversation, Kris sheds light on Rippl's innovative approach, combining a value-based care model with technology and top-notch clinicians.
The Staggering Numbers
As the population ages, particularly the Baby Boomers, the need for dementia care is expected to skyrocket. Presently, approximately seven to eight million people in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a subset of dementia. According to Kris, these numbers are projected to double in the near future. The statistics for those aged 85 and above are even more alarming, as one in three individuals in this age bracket is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The Holy Trinity: Value-based Approach, Technology Innovation, and Clinicians
Kris identifies what he refers to as a "Holy Trinity" that is essential to tackling the dementia crisis - a value-based approach, improving clinicians, and technology innovation.
Rippl is making strides in integrating these three components. Being a young company founded just last year, Rippl is keen on learning and adapting. They believe in a value-based approach that rewards health outcomes and aligns them with cost outcomes, which they regard as critical to creating a comprehensive model for dementia patients.
Tech Enablement
Technology plays a pivotal role in aiding the provision of smarter and faster healthcare services. Rippl, inspired by work done at UCLA and the University of California at San Francisco, utilizes a collaborative care model comprising a nurse practitioner, a licensed social worker, and a care coordinator. This virtual care pod is designed to integrate with the primary care physician while offering a level of service that is not possible for a primary care physician to provide single handedly.
However, Kris emphasizes that an excellent care model and groundbreaking technology alone are not enough. The backbone of any healthcare service lies in its clinicians. Rippl is devoted to empowering its clinicians by providing them with the tools, training, and time required to render top-notch care to patients.
Collaborating with Adonis for Revenue Cycle Management
When it comes to the complex and demanding aspects of billing and collections, Rippl chose to partner with Adonis. This strategic partnership allows Rippl to concentrate on innovating its care model and recruiting the best clinicians.
Adonis’s technology offers automation and streamlines the revenue cycle management, ensuring that Rippl can focus on what it excels at without worrying about billing strategies or ensuring payments are received on time.
Rippl's Vision and Mission
For Kris, Rippl's ultimate dream is to build a national network of highly trained, passionate, and integrity-driven clinicians who understand senior patients better than anyone else.
Rippl aims to bring light to families and dementia patients by promoting home-based care, allowing patients to lead fulfilling lives for as long as possible.
Kris also spoke passionately about battling the stigma associated with dementia, especially among seniors. By making dementia care accessible and improving public perception, Rippl hopes to create an environment where seeking help for cognitive issues is not only available but also socially acceptable.
Final Thoughts
Rippl, though in its nascent stage, demonstrates an inspiring and purpose-driven mission. Combining a value-based approach, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on clinicians, Rippl is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of senior care. Through partnerships like the one with Adonis and a continued emphasis on innovation, Rippl is pioneering a new care model to dramatically expand access to high quality, wrap-around mental health care for seniors, their families, and caregivers.
To watch the full interview, use this link.
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