UR Medicine Home Care Medical Director Dr. Thomas Caprio, M.D., received the Physician Champion Award from the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) on May 9.
"The vital role of physicians in our home care system is not widely known or understood," said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. "Physician orders are required for Medicare and Medicaid-covered home care services. But beyond coverage requirements, physician involvement in home care is especially vital for connecting a patient's primary care needs with the routine supports that home health aides, nurses, therapists and other clinicians provide to medically vulnerable patients at home every day."
Dr. Thomas Caprio, M.D., is an accomplished practitioner, successful administrator, engaging teacher and selfless volunteer. He is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative care medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American Geriatrics Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He balances multiple teaching and administrative leadership positions at the University of Rochester. He has also contributed to the growing body of research examining home care and hospice outcomes for heart failure patients and the benefits of in-home rehabilitation services in reducing hospitalizations.
At UR Medicine Home Care, Dr. Caprio has applied his mastery of regulations to shepherd UR Medicine Home Care successfully through the rigors of state and federal oversight processes to ensure the highest standards of quality care. "Dr. Caprio's passion and dedication to quality home health care is unwavering" says Jane Shukitis, President and & CEO at UR Medicine Home Care. "While his expertise, professional commitment, and accolades are extensive, his humanity is just as, if not more, noteworthy. To him, care for individuals is paramount, and Dr. Caprio's gentle, compassionate and calming demeanor is a welcoming haven for patients and families."
While Dr. Caprio's daily commitments and official contributions to the field of home care are impressive, he volunteers his time "after-hours" at one of UR Medicine's local community hospice comfort care homes to provide care to dying patients, raising funds to support the home, and training community volunteers.
He has served in leadership positions locally and nationally, including as President of the State Society on Aging of New York, the President of the National Association of Geriatric Education Centers, and President of the National Association for Geriatric Education. He was recently appointed as the Associate Editor for Clinical Education for the Journal of Gerontology and Geriatrics Education.
"This example alone shows the incredible impact of physicians who are closely involved and attuned to the work and needs of community-based providers and their patients -- in Dr. Caprio's case, through an official capacity that surely extends well beyond his primary duties as medical director," said Mr. Cardillo in his remarks at the May 9 award ceremony.