Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) face a complex patient and resident population with advanced care needs. While acute illnesses and injuries can present major risks, chronic conditions add another layer to patient complexity.
Chronic conditions are a growing concern in the United States. According to the CDC, an estimated 129 million Americans have at least one chronic disease. In 2020, about 63% of these Americans were between the ages of 60 and 79, and this number is only expected to climb. These conditions can introduce more complications when it comes to care, making proactive management key to reducing these complications, readmissions, and associated costs.
First Docs provides a trusted solution for SNFs and chronic care management (CCM).
Chronic conditions require long-term management and a level of oversight that short-term illnesses don’t need. Intermittent physician visits fall short for many patients living with chronic conditions. Between medication requirements and symptom flare-ups, on-site physicians provide more consistent, frequent care than irregular visits with a provider.
Timely, proactive physician care can offer powerful benefits for patient outcomes. For every day a patient waits to see a physician, risk of rehospitalization increases anywhere from 3% to 35%. An on-site physician ensures patients and residents see their providers the moment they transition to your facility, and receive the care they need to manage their conditions.
The challenge is finding physicians who provide the level of time and presence needed for proactive, timely care. At First Docs, our physicians are on-site up to five days a week to offer the level of care needed for chronic care management. With a First Docs physician, your center can deliver immediate intervention and better adhere to treatment plans.
Early intervention and monitoring are core aspects of CCM for SNFs. Monitoring vital signs and other metrics related to a chronic condition makes it easier for physicians to identify risks. Some studies of chronic care management strategies even showed a reduction in hospital readmissions.
Beyond active monitoring, there are a range of best practices for each chronic condition. Common conditions and their care needs include:
A First Docs physician remains informed about best clinical practices for all types of conditions to deliver care for every patient and resident. Best practices like these will be determined on a case-by-case basis. First Docs physicians can also provide support for:
While a dedicated, present physician is valuable for managing chronic conditions in skilled nursing facilities, patients and families also need to be involved in these care plans. Chronic conditions have to be managed well after discharge, and education is typically the first step.
Explaining the reasoning behind care plans empowers patients and their families to exercise agency over their care when discharged from your center. A better understanding of the condition can also encourage patients to see a physician when specific symptoms arise. Fostering this proactive approach post-discharge can help to improve care outcomes for the long term and prevent rehospitalizations.
First Docs focuses on patient education as much as presence. Spending more time with patients allows our physicians to understand how each person prefers to learn. With communication that’s tailored for every patient and their families, managing chronic conditions becomes a collaborative effort.
Technology makes chronic care management more accessible. Core technologies to support your SNF include:
Proactive, on-site physicians are key players in managing chronic conditions for your patient and resident population. First Docs provides the physician presence you need with a provider dedicated to timely care, patient education, and technology-driven solutions. Contact First Docs today to strengthen your skilled nursing center.