The Journal of the American Medical Association in a recent study found skilled nursing centers that coordinate with other healthcare providers play a vital role in reducing re-hospitalizations.
(Study published January 2013)
The MacIntosh Company prides itself on being part of the solution. We have reduced unnecessary re-hospitalizations by partnering with area healthcare providers and creating internal programs and initiatives that have made a direct impact. This provides a seamless continuity of care, improving efficiency and reducing healthcare costs.
Partnering with Area Physicians
- MacIntosh Centers ensure discharge continuity orders are received from the hospital physician and understood before a patient admits to one of our centers.
- Discharge communication is provided to area family physicians when their patient returns home from a MacIntosh Center. This notifies the patient's family physician of when their patient is to present for a follow up appointment, current medication regimine, functional ability as well as therapy and nursing services the patient is continuing at home or in an outpatient rehab setting.
- Follow up phone calls are made to all patients after discharge from our centers to ensure each patient has successfully transitioned home and follow up appointments have been arranged.
- Physician accessibility to MacIntosh company leaders:
The MacIntosh Company is a local independent healthcare company headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio providing care services only in Central Ohio. This allows Our leaders to be present and accessible to meet with any healthcare professional with questions.
Initiatives Implemented to Reduce Re-hospitalization
- Ease the transition of care:
- Hospital to rehab center:
- One call 24/7 to make a referral
- Admission personnel available to check bed availability & complete insurance precertification.
- Timely in hospital patient clinical assessment completed by a MacIntosh liaison
- A MacIntosh liaison will greet the patient and family in the hospital to answer questions and set realilistic expectations prior to discharging to a MacIntosh center
- Rehab center to home with home health services if needed
- Ongoing long term care or Assisted Living after skilled nursing if appropriate
- Integrated Care Teams:
Medical Directors, Attending Physicians and Nurse Practitioners colaborate with center Nurses and Therapists to provide 24/7 care while working with the patient's family physician and specialists to determine care protocols and ensure continuity of care.
- Interdisciplinary team meetings reviewing patient progress toward identified goals
- SBAR utilization
- High risk alert watch list
- Appropriate lengths of stay:
Care is directed by a physician and carried out by a dedicated Interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, therapists and social workers. Discharge planning starts upon admission and is designed to get the patient home as quickly and safely as possible with a solid foundation for success at home.