Define Acute Care

Among the changes to the health care industry are the definitions of the level of care you can receive. The length of time for care also has changed dramatically in some areas of health care. Acute care involves specialized facilities and trained medical personnel.

Definition

• The simple definition for acute care is the care a person receives for a serious illness or accident. Delivery of acute care is conducted by specialized personnel with the equipment and technology designed to meet the patient's needs.

Facilities

• Acute care is received at hospitals, specialized facilities and emergency rooms.

Types

• The levels of acute care depend on a patient's needs. They range from a few days to a year or more. Long-term acute care generally is conducted at a hospice center or in nursing homes.

Disorders

• Patients can receive acute care for recovery from a surgery, cancer treatment, Alzheimer's disease, drug/alcohol recovery, complications with pregnancy and broken bones, as a few examples.

The Facts

• Before seeking acute care, it is important to check with your insurance carrier to determine the types of facilities, level of care and other components your policy covers. With the changes to health care, some levels of acute care may not be covered under your insurance or will need specific approval.