Applying an Urgent Care Model to the Skilled Nursing Facility Setting

Abstract

Reducing readmissions to hospitals and ED visits has been a priority among health systems and skilled nursing facilities. Approximately 20% of Medicare-funded hospitalizations result in discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Transitions to and from the hospital setting frequently occurs. In an analysis of SNF hospital readmissions 23% were found to be preventable. To reduce hospital readmissions from SNFs, we have deployed the Urgent Care model (UCM) within the SNF setting. Urgent care is typically defined as healthcare that is needed for a condition that requires prompt attention (within 24 h) but is not a life-threatening emergency. UCM are designed to manage unscheduled conditions, which often arise outside core office hours. The UCM has rapidly emerged over the last several decades out of demand to alleviate ED wait times and visits for patients. Several studies found that UCM have reduced visits to nearby EDs.