Post-acute care, like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), are facing changes. Hospitals have more patients staying longer, and budgets are tight. Also, Medicare Advantage plans are growing, and new rules from the government are making it harder for hospitals and SNFs to make money. Let's look at the challenges and ways to solve them.
Understanding the Changing Post-Acute Care Scene
Post-acute care is changing a lot. Hospitals and SNFs have to deal with more patients staying longer and less money to run operations. With more people joining Medicare Advantage plans, things are getting even harder. We need to work together to make sure patients get the best care possible.
Analyzing New Government Rules and What They Mean
The government recently issued new rules about Medicare Advantage plans. Brian Ellsworth from Health Dimensions Group says these rules could mean less money for Medicare Advantage plans and more benefits for patients. Hospitals and SNFs need to plan and find ways to deal with these changes.
Looking at How Post-Acute Care Has Changed Over Time
In the past few years, we've seen more patients going to SNFs instead of getting care at home. But when COVID-19 came, things changed. People started staying home more for care. Now, we're seeing a mix of patients going to SNFs and home care. It's important to keep an eye on these trends to see what's best for patients.
Understanding Hospital Stays and the Problems They Bring
Hospitals are seeing changes in how long patients stay. In 2023, patients stayed shorter times compared to before. But there are still issues with too many patients and not enough money. Hospitals need to find ways to work better with SNFs to help patients leave the hospital sooner and get the care they need.
Seeing the Impact of Medicare Advantage Plans
More people are joining Medicare Advantage plans, and they have a big say in how care is given. John Capasso from HDG says these plans are getting stronger. But there are problems, like too many people using them and new rules from the government. This can make things harder for hospitals and SNFs to remain profitable.
How CMS Changes Affect Post-Acute Care
CMS made new rules that started in January. These rules make it harder for Medicare Advantage plans to work and may delay patients getting care after leaving the hospital. This means hospitals and SNFs have to find better ways to work together and help patients get care faster.
Dealing with Complex Care Discharges
Some patients need more complicated care when they leave the hospital. This can be hard for hospitals and SNFs to handle. Problems like medical issues and legal matters can slow things down and cost a lot of money. Stakeholders need to find ways to work better together and help patients get the care they need sooner.
Strategies for Collaboration and Using Technology
Capasso and Ellsworth say hospitals and SNFs need to work together more. They need to plan and use technology to make things easier. Technology can help share information and make sure patients get the care they need. Working together can help hospitals and SNFs provide better care for patients.
Finding Ways to Improve Post-Acute Care
Post-acute care is changing, but hospitals and SNFs can adapt. By planning and working together, we can overcome challenges and provide better care for patients. It's important to keep an eye on trends, follow new rules, and use technology to improve how we care for patients. Together, we can make sure patients get the care they need when they need.
Bình luận