LONG TERM ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS (LTACHS)PROVIDE specialized medical, nursing, and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for their recovery process, but who no longer require services in a traditional acute care hospital. Patients typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program.LTACs are Post-Acute Care hospitals they are not to be confused with Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs).Appropriate conditions treated in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Medically ComplexRespiratory Disorders including TracheostomyVentilator DependentCardiac/Cardiovascular ConditionsRenal DiseaseWound CareReconstructive and Extended Post-Surgical CareRehabilitation Related Diagnosis with Complex or Tertiary NeedsOncologyThe top admitting diagnoses in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Respiratory Failure (Ventilator weaning, high flow oxygen)Infectious Disease (IV antibiotics, infection monitoring)Extensive Wound Management (Ulcers, Fistulas, Surgical)Parenteral Nutrition (Abd. wounds, Post-op)Multiple Trauma (Multiple fracture/deconditioning/malnutrition)Head Injuries (CVAs, TBIs)Dialysis (ESRD, ATN)Medically Complex PatientsThe following differentiates LTACs from other levels of care:Attending Physician and Consultants:Daily Hospitalist RoundingPulmonologistsNephrologistsSurgical SpecialistsPhysiatrists (PM&R)Procedures:DialysisBronchoscopies & Chest Tube ManagementX-RayLine Placement (Central lines, PICC lines)Telemetry/ Cardiac Monitoring & Continuous Pulse OximetryWound DebridementMedicationsPharmacist on siteIV therapies (abx, etc.)IV DripsInsulinPressors (Dopamine, Levophed, etc.)LasixJoint Commission Accreditation Therapies:RespiratoryTherapists on-site 24/7Speech TherapyDietitianPhysical & Occupational TherapistsWound Care NursesEditors note: This article was written by Daniel Asadi, DO, Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine & Medical Director at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital, Johnstown, CO. The NCLTAH team of professional can be reached at 970-619-3663

Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH) provides specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for their recovery process, but who no longer require services in a traditional acute care hospital. Patients typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program.LTACs are Post Acute Care hospitals they are not to be confused with Nursing Homes (SNFs). Appropriate conditions treated in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Medically ComplexRespiratory Disorders including TracheostomyVentilator DependentCardiac/Cardiovascular ConditionsRenal DiseaseOncologyWound CareReconstructive and Extended Post Surgical CareRehabilitation Related Diagnoses with Complex or Tertiary NeedsThe top admitting diagnoses in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Respiratory Failure (Ventilator weaning, high flow oxygen)Infectious Disease (IV abx, infection monitoring)Extensive Wound Management (Ulcers, Fistulas, Surgical)Parenteral Nutrition (Abd wounds, Post Op)Multiple Trauma (Multiple fracture/deconditioning/malnutrition)Head Injuries (CVAs, TBIs)Dialysis (ESRD, ATN)Medically Complex PatientsThe following differentiates LTACs from other levels of care:Attending Physician and Consultants Daily Hospitalist RoundingPulmonologistsNephrologistsSurgical SpecialistsPhysiatrists (PM&R)Procedures DialysisBronchoscopies & Chest Tube ManagementX-RayLine Placement (Central lines, PICC lines)Telemetry/Cardiac Monitoring & Continuous Pulse OximetryWound DebridementMedications Pharmacist on siteIV therapies (abx, etc.)IV Drips InsulinPressors (Dopamine, Levophed, etc.)LasixJoint Commission AccreditationTherapies: Respiratory Therapists on-site 24/7Speech TherapyDietitianPhysical & Occupational TherapistsWound Care NursesEditors Note: This article was written by Daniel Asadi, DO, Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine and Medical Director at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital, Johnstown, CO. The NCLTAH team of professionals can be reached at 970-619-3663.

Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH) provides specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for their recovery process, but who no longer require services in a traditional acute care hospital. Patients typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program.LTACs are Post Acute Care hospitals they are not to be confused with Nursing Homes (SNFs).Appropriate conditions treated in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Medically ComplexRespiratory Disorders including TracheostomyVentilator DependentCardiac/Cardiovascular ConditionsRenal DiseaseOncologyWound CareReconstructive and Extended Post Surgical CareRehabilitation Related Diagnoses with Complex or Tertiary NeedsThe top admitting diagnoses in the Long Term Acute Hospital are:Respiratory Failure (Ventilator weaning, high flow oxygen)Infectious Disease (IV abx, infection monitoring)Extensive Wound Management (Ulcers, Fistulas, Surgical)Parenteral Nutrition (Abd wounds, Post Op)Multiple Trauma (Multiple fracture/deconditioning/malnutrition)Head Injuries (CVAs, TBIs)Dialysis (ESRD, ATN)Medically Complex PatientsThe following differentiates LTACs from other levels of care:Attending Physician and ConsultantsDaily Hospitalist RoundingPulmonologistsNephrologistsSurgical SpecialistsPhysiatrists (PM&R)ProceduresDialysisBronchoscopies & Chest Tube ManagementX-RayLine Placement (Central lines, PICC lines)Telemetry/Cardiac Monitoring & Continuous Pulse OximetryWound DebridementMedicationsPharmacist on siteIV therapies (abx, etc.)IV DripsInsulinPressors (Dopamine, Levophed, etc.)LasixJoint Commission AccreditationTherapies:Respiratory Therapists on-site 24/7Speech TherapyDietitianPhysical & Occupational TherapistsWound Care NursesEditors Note: This article was written by Daniel Asadi, DO, Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine and Medical Director at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital, Johnstown, CO. The NCLTAH team of professionals can be reached at 970-619-3663.