Safer@Home: LA General’s Virtual Hospital Care Brings Healing Home — While Saving Millions

LOS ANGELES, CA – A new economic analysis from LA General Medical Center, one of the largest public hospitals in the United States, finds that delivering hospital-level care virtually at home has the potential to significantly reduce costs for both hospitals and payors—while maintaining high-quality care and easing pressure on inpatient facilities.

The study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed outcomes from Safer@Home, LA General’s fully virtual, acute care program, which reduced inpatient stays by an average of four days. Between September 2022 and August 2023, 876 patients participated in Safer@Home and were compared to 1,590 matched in-hospital control patients. The result: a net hospital savings of $5.6 million, driven by cost avoidance for patients enrolled in Medicaid or without insurance.

“This program is an example of what’s possible when innovation is driven by compassion and equity,” said Jorge Orozco, CEO of LA General Medical Center. “Safer @ Home reflects our mission to provide world-class care and education for all, and demonstrates that we can improve access, reduce hospital crowding, and protect critical resources—especially for our most vulnerable communities. It’s not just smart medicine—it’s smart stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

LA General Medical Center, a public safety-net hospital, and Level 1 Trauma Center, serves the diverse populations of Los Angeles County and continues to lead in developing care models that improve access and efficiency. Safer@Home provides patients with safe, high-quality, hospital-level care in the comfort of their homes, monitored remotely by physicians and nurses.

The study found that while the hospital experienced revenue losses for some insured patients due to current reimbursement models, all payors benefited from cost savings across the board. The findings suggest that a reimbursement model reflecting approximately 50–60% of hospital variable costs would create a win-win framework that enables savings for both hospitals and insurers across all payor types.

“This study underscores the opportunity for health systems and payors to work together toward smarter, more sustainable care,” said Dr. Brad Spellberg, Chief Medical Officer of LA General. “Virtual acute care is not just clinically effective—it’s financially responsible. We can deliver exceptional care while being accountable to the taxpayers and communities we serve.”

These findings come as public hospitals nationwide face capacity strains and rising costs. Safer@Home provides a scalable, patient-centered model that aligns with national goals to improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary hospital utilization, and ensure the efficient use of public funds.

About Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General):

Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General) is a 600+ bed, Level One Trauma Center and academic teaching hospital operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS). Affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health, LA General is a premier training site for resident physicians, interns, and nursing students. The medical center serves patients across Southern California with specialized units including a Burn Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and dedicated Psychiatric and Pediatric Emergency Rooms. LA General also provides comprehensive outpatient services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and children in foster care. The campus is home to The Wellness Center, a nonprofit organization offering vital community programs that support health and well-being.