Provider Spotlight: Jesse Steffl, PA-C, Allegheny General Hospital Home Recovery Care

Jesse Steffl, PA-C, has been in healthcare for 14 years and has seen a lot of remarkable things. However, in the past two years, he has seen more change in how patients receive care than ever before. The pandemic forced the healthcare system to adapt. As with any change, there is typically an adjustment period and he wanted to be a part of it.  

Fast forward to September 2021, and Jesse accepted a role at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) as Clinical Manager of Home Recovery Care. AGH provides Home Recovery Care through a partnership with Contessa. Home Recovery Care allow patients to receive hospital and skilled nursing-level care in the comfort and convenience of their homes. Jesse works with a team of Recovery Care Coordinators, registered nurses who help identify eligible patients, transfer them home with remote patient monitoring devices and durable medical equipment, and oversee their custom care plan.  

Jesse shares, “Without them, I could not do it. I can make medical decisions but a lot of the ins and outs, I rely on the Recovery Care Coordinators to do.” 

As providers continue adapting to Home Recovery Care, more patients are enrolling in the model. Jesse notes that he can see more patients virtually while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Patients benefit from healing in a familiar environment surrounded by loved ones, a commodity given visitor restraints in the COVID environment.  

“It’s easier for patients to get better in their own home, with their own tv and in their own bed. It just seems right.” 

Jesse saw these benefits first-hand with a recent patient with Down syndrome who was admitted for COVID pneumonia. The hospital isolation caused confusion and crushed her spirits. After reviewing her diagnosis, Jesse was able to get her home two days sooner and continue providing the care she needed. Being treated at home not only freed up a bed at AGH, but vastly improved her recovery journey. Not to mention, it brought back her smile. 

Experiences like these are why Jesse believes in Home Recovery Care.  

“There is a lot of promise. I have enjoyed partnering with Contessa and am excited for the future.”