From the beginning of the patient journey to the stops before or after the emergency department, surgery or imaging, physical therapy is a common link that binds nearly every outpatient strategy. Many systems are not leveraging PT as a means to keep patients and manage their experience throughout the care continuum.

Hospitals within rural communities are referring patients out to three to seven alternative therapy services. Leakage rates at most health systems are at least 50 percent, with some surpassing 80 percent. This can result in a wide variation of treatment and experience. In addition, it can lead to inconsistent care coordination communication and patient costs.

A partnership with a physical therapy partner helps hospitals align the priorities of their inpatient and outpatient services, resulting in:

• Improved comprehensive patient experience
• Decreased costs / Increased revenue
• Streamlined hiring with high-impact recruitment
• A cohesive vision with program, treatment and financial goals
• Decreased re-admissions
• Specialized expertise in regulatory compliance and billing
• Lower administrative costs
• Strategic development
• Program development
• Solutions to growing market share and improving performance

Patient leakage often slips between the cracks among other priorities at the management level. Top management must address this challenge by driving change and taking the necessary steps to address patient referral leakage as a strategic priority.

With the endless duties and responsibilities of hospital CEOs, there is a tendency to plug holes on a short-term basis. Why not take a task off your list and partner with a full-service therapy provider to assist you in achieving your long-term objectives.

RehabVisions has been assisting rural hospitals run thriving therapy departments for over 40 years. Our therapists align with your facility’s mission while upholding our longstanding company values.

Want to learn more? Contact us today and ask about our comprehensive assessment of your therapy department and recommendations on keeping your patients in your health system.