Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
instED in-home care offers ED visit alternative
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care·MA·Provider Newsletter
We identified it
Sep 9, 2026
Summary
Tufts Health Plan now offers instED, a mobile integrated health vendor service, as an alternative to emergency department visits for non-emergent clinical triage. This applies to Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options and Tufts Medicare Preferred members in Massachusetts. Providers can request same-day in-home visits (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) for conditions like flu, dehydration, and minor injuries when office appointments are unavailable.
Action Required
Immediately: Providers and billing staff should familiarize themselves with the instED referral process for eligible Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options and Tufts Medicare Preferred members in Massachusetts. Front desk and clinical staff should inform patients about this ED visit alternative when scheduling acute visits. Providers can contact instED by logging into instED NOW or calling 833-946-7833 to request in-home visits. Ensure care team members have access to the instED NOW system to view visit notes and real-time updates for care coordination. Do not refer patients with symptoms requiring 911 response or those who can be seen promptly in the practice.