Providing specialized care for the medically complex has become a vital aspect to a hospital’s care continuum, however, health systems are often not well-equipped to address the growing patient needs and fluctuating regulatory changes. As recently noted, being able to rely on an experienced LTACH partner can help generate lower average post-acute length of stay as well as reduce the risk for readmission. Further, there are additional benefits when it comes to integrating an LTACH through a strategic partnership.
Discover two additional benefits of LTACH joint-venture or contract management partnership and how it can positively impact care costs, quality and overall patient satisfaction.
While medically complex and critically ill patients make up only a small percentage of the U.S. patient population, they account for 50% of healthcare spending.1 It’s vital to have an experienced partner that can help ensure a hospital is strategically utilizing resources.
The utilization of highly-trained staff and medical directors can aid in achieving lower care costs, therefore benefiting patient outcomes and hospital efficiencies. Implementation of innovative technology, obtaining Joint Commission accreditations and special certifications, and integration of infection control protocols can also support a lower cost of care while simultaneously benefiting patient outcomes.
Through these tools and strategies, a qualified LTACH partner can help offer a hospital significant potential for savings and quality improvements.
LTACH integration through the guidance of an experienced partner can enable high-risk and often difficult-to-discharge patients the opportunity to receive specialized care throughout their entire recovery journey. This in turn improves the overall patient experience and lowers appeals.
Having a qualified partner that is equipped with the expertise and resources to reduce average length of stay, lower the risk of readmission and reduce care costs will not only enhance the overall performance of a hospital, but will generate long-term positive outcomes for the patients and community it serves.
Treating the growing medically complex patient population is an urgent need for health systems across the country. Being able to rely on a trusted expert in the long-term acute care space can help relieve the burden of successfully addressing this patient population.
Read our whitepaper, “Benefits of LTACH Partnership for Hospital Success” to learn how Kindred can help your hospital achieve superior results through a Hospital-in-Hospital (HiH) or freestanding LTACH model.
References:
- Kaiser Family Foundation calculations using data from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Household Component, 2010.