Applying an Urgent Care Model to the Skilled Nursing Facility Setting

Reducing readmissions to hospitals and ED visits has been a priority among health systems and skilled nursing facilities. Approximately 20% of Medicare-funded hospitalizations result in discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Transitions to and from the hospital setting frequently occurs. In an analysis of SNF hospital readmissions 23% were found to be preventable. To reduce hospital readmissions from SNFs, we have deployed the Urgent Care model (UCM) within the SNF setting. Urgent care is typically defined as healthcare that is needed for a condition that requires prompt attention (within 24 h) but is not a life-threatening emergency.