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Insights and Trends

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Difference: Partnering for Better Patient Outcomes

Research shows that nearly 50% of all acute care discharges nationwide go to a post-acute setting.1 To prevent readmissions and control costs, it is critical for patients to have access to the right post-acute care. One setting that continues to see substantial growth across the care continuum is inpatient rehabilitation.

Inpatient rehabilitation, whether through an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or hospital-based acute rehabilitation unit (ARU), provides the specialized expertise patients need to meet their recovery goals and return home. Outcomes can be amplified when a hospital partners with a post-acute provider to help manage the ARU or IRF.

The rise in demand for IRF and ARU joint venture and contract management partnerships can be attributed to several factors, including:

      • Access to national and local resources to aid in effective care delivery
      • Extensive clinical training and support
      • Strong financial performance
      • Consistent regulatory support
      • Ability to treat a wide range of medically complex patients
      • Help alleviate administrative burdens of developing and running a rehabilitation program

Other benefits based on partnership type include:2

Joint Venture

Contract Management

  • Ability to hold governance over beds.
  • Retain a portion of the IRFs earnings through distributions.
  • Potential to drive revenue from the facility and support services from the IRF JV.
    Gaining IRF management expertise to help improve care quality, discharge rates and length of stay.
  • Flexible partnership model (easy to transition to new partnership structure if needed).
  • Access to IRF management best practices.
  • Relief of administrative burden from operating the IRF.
  • Retain your hospital assets.
  • All commercial and government contracts remain the same.


What Makes a Good Partner? 5 Top Qualities

While the benefits of a partnership are significant, finding the right one is critical. To truly succeed, you need a partner that aligns with your hospital’s unique needs, mission and vision, because not all joint venture or acute rehab management partners are created equal.

Keep reading to learn the top 5 qualities to look for in a rehabilitation partner.


References:

  1. https://vmghealth.com/thought-leadership/blog/strategic-partnerships-in-the-inpatient-rehabilitation-industry-highlights-opportunities-and-risks/
  2. https://www.advisory.com/topics/post-acute-care/2021/03/getting-the-most-out-of-hospital-post-acute-partnership