Long Term Care Hospitals

Long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) furnish extended medical and rehabilitative care to individuals who are clinically complex and have multiple acute or chronic conditions. An LTCH must be certified as an acute care hospital that meets criteria to participate in the Medicare program and has an average inpatient length of stay greater than 25 days. As of November 2001, Medicare recognized 270 facilities as LTCHs.

On March 22, 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to establish a prospective payment system for Medicare inpatient hospital services furnished by LTCHs as described in section 1886(d) (1) B)(iv) of the Social Security Act. CMS plans to publish a final rule by August 2002 and implement the new system beginning October 1, 2002.

In addition to this Web site, AHA members may also be interested in visiting the Constituency Section for Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation, which seeks to improve continuity of care between acute, pre- and post-acute, and long-term services, and to support efforts to improve delivery of health-related services to chronically ill, elderly, and disabled persons requiring continuing care in institutions, the community, and the home.

For further assistance, AHA members can call (800) 424-4301.