Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs)

Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) furnish extended medical and rehabilitative care to individuals with clinically complex problems, such as multiple acute or chronic conditions, that need hospital-level care for relatively extended periods. To qualify as an LTACH for Medicare payment, a facility must meet Medicare's conditions of participation for acute care hospitals and have an average inpatient length of stay greater than 25 days. Medicare recognized 432 LTACHs in 2009.

In addition to this Web site, AHA members may also be interested in visiting the Constituency Section for Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation and Governing Council 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.

The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 Legislative Action Alert: Ask Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1486, the Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act Statement on the Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act (August 2, 2011)  AHA Letters of Support for S.1486 to: Senator Nelson | Senator Roberts Section-by-section summary of S.1486  1-page Summary: LTCH Criteria Legislation, S. 1486 Text of S. 1486 S.1486 At-a-Glance