LTACH
Formal Definition
Long-Term Acute Care Hospital: a specialized inpatient facility for medically complex patients requiring prolonged acute-level care, often ventilator-dependent or requiring intensive wound management for more than 25 days.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Sending to a LTACH" — for patients too sick for SNF but not improving enough to stay in an acute hospital indefinitely.
Example
""Vented patient 28 days post-ARDS with failed wean attempts — ICU team requesting LTACH placement for continued vent wean and aggressive chest PT.""
Clinical Context
LTACH bridges ICU and SNF. Think of it for: vent weaning, complex wound care, long IV antibiotic courses, or patients who need intensive rehab but remain medically complex. Insurance approval is often the bottleneck. LTACH is not appropriate for patients who just need time — they need active, skilled daily intervention.
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