Healthcare Headlines Blog

Ensuring that patients leaving the ICU or med/surg unit have access to the most appropriate post-acute care (PAC) setting is a key component of improving outcomes and reducing readmissions. This makes understanding the differences between PAC options essential. Read Full Post

The healthcare industry continues to pilot new ways of delivering care that align patient, provider, and payer incentives. Medically complex patients remain a key population due to higher costs associated with the intensity of treatment and length of recovery time required. The latest innovation in care delivery, an expansion of the accountable care organization (ACO) called ACO REACH, is pushing further into addressing the needs of these patients. Learn more about the program and how long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) can play a role in achieving the goals of the newest model. Read Full Post

Cedar Gate Technologies conducted a review of claims data of ACO beneficiaries treated at LTACHs and SNFs in Las Vegas. They found that Medicare spending and readmission rates were lower for patients who discharged to LTACHs, and lowest for those discharging to Kindred LTACHs specifically. Cedar Gate concluded that LTACHs can deliver efficient and cost-effective care for complex patients. Read Full Post

Studies show that timely discharge of patients on prolonged ventilation to long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) can help optimize outcomes and reduce readmissions. Read Full Post

Research shows long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) can meaningfully participate and contribute to financial success in value-based care models Read Full Post

Medically complex patients tend to experience longer recovery journeys and are more likely to readmit to the ICU after hospitalization. For these patients, it is essential to reduce setbacks and readmissions. Learn about two care coordination strategies that can improve care efficiency and how Kindred Hospitals are taking them a step further. Read Full Post

Determining the appropriate post-acute care (PAC) delivery setting for a patient based on his or her medical needs can help improve outcomes and lower total cost of care. While many patients are able to fully recover at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or at home following a hospital stay, a small percentage of the patient population requires additional critical care and services. Without the proper intensity of acute care and access to physicians and on-site specialized services, these patients are more likely to readmit to the hospital, thereby increasing total cost.

Read Full Post

Makala was admitted to Kindred Hospital with heart and pulmonary issues. But she was determined to recover and return home to her daughter -- a goal that she reached thanks to the interdisciplinary care team who helped her overcome challenge after challenge. Read Full Post

Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season, providers and payors have sought new strategies to address respiratory failure. For patients experiencing respiratory failure conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), specialized acute care after the initial hospital stay is proving to play a critical role in improving patient outcomes, reducing readmissions and decreasing the severity of long-term effects. Read Full Post

The American healthcare system, already financially strained and facing demanding demographic changes, has been further challenged over the past two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique pressure test has revealed areas for improvement in the American system and highlighted the importance of infection prevention. Read Full Post