Some programs are organized around specific disease categories (e.g., stroke or cancer), others are organized around specific interventions (e.g., pain management or wound care) and some are organized around other more or less homogeneous patient characteristics (e.g., pediatrics or “medically complex”). In general, providers tend to distinguish between “rehabilitation subacute” patients, which include conditions such as hip replacement, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. These patients tend to require more rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational and speech therapies. Conversely, “medical subacute” patients tend to have conditions that require intensive medical and nursing care, but fewer other therapies. This group of patients includes those with cardiovascular diagnoses, cancer, ventilator care, wounds and IV therapy.
