The survey explored key opportunities around post-acute services, including market expansion, quality measurement and partnership. Read Full Post

Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) raised the possibility of moving forward with a proposed pre- or post-claim review demonstration program in up to four states in 2021 despite industry pushback. Since the initial announcement, CMS continues to push for advancement of the program. Stakeholders noted the implementation would increase the administrative burden already placed on providers dealing with staffing shortages and capacity issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Full Post

Common misconceptions surrounding long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) have hindered health systems from including LTACHs in their market expansion strategies - ultimately limiting access to critical care options for medically complex patients. However, as health systems begin to uncover the true value of LTACH integration, they can start begin to reap the benefits it provides to patient care, outcomes, and hospital efficiencies. Read Full Post

A rehabilitation partner that not only values the patient, but also their family members and caregivers, is a crucial asset to creating a successful rehabilitation program. Additionally, an expert partner is one that can integrate both organizations’ missions and values to help ensure the quality of care is maintained, while still upholding the characteristics that make the local facility unique to the community. Read Full Post

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF PPS), for fiscal year (FY) 2022. The payment rule took effect October 1, 2021. Read Full Post

Co-location or offering multiple specialty services, such as inpatient rehabilitation, behavioral health and/or long-term acute care under one roof or campus is becoming an important strategy for health systems as the number of medically complex patients continues to increase. This model allows for greater bed flexibility, streamlined care transitions, and helps lead to higher care quality and reduced readmissions. Read Full Post

Although health systems around the country are integrating new care approaches to effectively treat the growing medically complex patient population, location continues to be an important factor, often hindering patient access to vital services. Read Full Post

Throughout COVID-19, inpatient rehabilitation continues to provide significant value to medically complex patients and overall hospital performance through strong clinical outcomes, and will do so even after the pandemic subsides. Read this case study to see recent data on how inpatient rehab has benefited hospital performance and outcomes through the pandemic, and how partnership with a joint-venture or acute management partner can further aid in a hospital’s ability to meet growing patient needs. Read Full Post

Lack of behavioral health access and education in non-urban communities, especially ones largely populated by farmers, has become a growing issue across the nation. This concern is expected to increase if health systems do not respond appropriately.

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With greater emphasis being placed on care transitions and readmission rates, inpatient rehabilitation units have the incredible potential to become high-performing centers of excellence that create greater patient access and enhance the performance of the entire hospital. However, without key foundational fundamentals, issues such as medical oversight and improper medical staffing can occur. Read Full Post