Hospital at Home brings lifesaving care to Bedford patient

When Mike Challman first noticed what he thought was a bug bite on his neck, he didn’t expect it to turn into a life-threatening bacterial infection. Living in Bedford, Indiana, Challman began treatment with oral antibiotics, but his condition worsened. His blood sugar spiked, and the pain and swelling intensified. That’s when his doctor urged him to head straight to the emergency department.

“Within 10 minutes, they had checked my vitals and admitted me,” Challman says. “Everyone was very helpful and were able to treat me quickly.”

From the emergency department, Challman was enrolled in the Hospital at Home program, which provides hospital-level care in the comfort of a patient’s home. The program has served more than 3,000 patients since 2020, using advanced virtual care equipment, video visits and a dedicated team of nurses, providers and pharmacists.

“I can’t express enough how much I appreciated every nurse and provider,” Challman says. “They weren’t just taking care of me. They truly cared about me.”

Each morning, from the comfort of his own home, team members guided Challman through his recovery. “They were so compassionate and patient. They helped me understand what I needed to do and why.”

On his final day in the program, Challman got emotional. “Every one of them helped save my life,” he says.

Challman’s story reflects the promise, The Best Care, Designed with You, and shows how innovation and empathy can transform healthcare, one patient at a time.

Learn more about other Home Care services provided by IU Health.