Telemedicine Post-Surgical Visits for Patients in Post-Acute Settings

Many patients are discharged to post-acute care facilities (PACFs) following surgery. These patients have either had major surgery and require close monitoring and intensive rehabilitation, or have significant medical co-morbidities. Currently they are transported, sometimes at considerable cost, to the surgeon’s office for post-surgery visits (PSVs). These trips can be painful and uncomfortable. A staff member from the PACF may need to accompany the patient. During PSVs surgeons observe the patient's incision(s), and assess potential complications following surgery, pain, and functional recovery.