Post-Acute Care (PAC): When It's Needed and What It Includes
Post-acute care (PAC) bridges hospital discharge and return home for patients needing continued medical/rehabilitative support.
Common Indications
- Extended medical management: Complex wounds, IV therapy, respiratory support, unstable comorbidities.
- Rehabilitation: PT/OT/SLP for functional recovery after stroke, orthopedic surgery, deconditioning.
- Psychosocial support: Caregiver training, counseling, discharge planning for vulnerable populations.
Settings
- Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF)
- Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)
- Home Health Agency
- Outpatient Therapy
Duration
Days to months (rarely years), depending on clinical trajectory and payer authorization.
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