Long-term acute care facility

Long-term acute care facility

A long-term acute care facility (LTAC) is a type of hospital that provides specialized care for patients with serious medical conditions that require ongoing, intensive treatment over an extended period. These facilities are designed to treat patients who need more care than they can receive in a traditional hospital or rehabilitation center, but who do not require the full resources of an intensive care unit (ICU).

Services Provided

LTAC facilities offer a range of services, including but not limited to:

• Ventilator weaning
• Complex wound care
• Intravenous therapy
• Dialysis
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

Patient Population

Patients admitted to LTAC facilities typically have complex medical needs that require a longer duration of care. Common conditions treated in LTAC facilities include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Sepsis
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Multiple organ failure
• Severe infections

Admission Criteria

Admission to an LTAC facility usually requires a referral from a healthcare provider and a thorough assessment to determine if the patient meets the criteria for long-term acute care. Factors considered include the patient's medical condition, the complexity of care required, and the expected duration of treatment.

Length of Stay

The length of stay in an LTAC facility varies depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment. On average, patients may stay for several weeks to several months.

Related Pages

• Hospital
• Intensive care unit
• Rehabilitation center
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Sepsis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple organ failure