title: Is subacute care feasible?
abstract: As healthcare executives attempt to control costs and enhance revenue in an increasingly competitive market, many are considering converting acute care units into subacute care units (Medicare-certified skilled nursing units). Such a conversion can help control costs by providing care in a less expensive setting that is appropriate for patients who require less intensive care than traditional acute care. In addition, converting an acute care unit into a subacute care unit can optimize reimbursement for Medicare patients. A detailed feasibility analysis that addresses clinical, regulatory, space, and financial considerations should be conducted before healthcare executives decide to convert acute care beds into subacute care beds. Only after a feasibility analysis is performed can healthcare executives determine whether creating a subacute care unit is a realistic, beneficial option.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Health Ventures, Inc., Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Kothmann
mesh_terms: D001508:Bed Conversion / Q000191:economics*; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D011383:Progressive Patient Care / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States