What Is an LTAC vs. SNF? Overview and FAQ
There are many different types of care facilities that help patients transition from the hospital to home. Long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities are a common destination for patients who have complex medical needs. On the other hand, patients who don’t need as much support before they can live on their own are often transferred to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). But what exactly are the differences between an LTAC vs. SNF?
Appropriately identifying the best care options for patients is an important way to promote optimal health outcomes. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of common transitional and post-acute care facilities for patients and compare the characteristics of each one.
What Is an LTAC vs. SNF?
An LTAC is a facility that’s designed to provide care for patients who have complex medical conditions, but no longer need the services of a hospital. These patients are often undergoing long-term treatment, such as dialysis or respiratory therapy, that requires more monitoring and care than what’s provided at a SNF, rehab center, or home. Under Medicare, patients must need more than 25 days of hospitalization to receive LTAC services.
A SNF is designed to provide supportive care measures for patients who may just need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or basic treatment before they’re discharged home. These patients don’t require the intensive level of care and monitoring that’s provided at an LTAC. However, they still receive 24-hour support from nursing staff.
As these settings are designed to deliver distinct levels of care, they function quite differently. The table below compares some of the more specific characteristics of a SNF vs. LTAC.
| LTAC | SNF |
|---|---|
| Specialized medical services such as respiratory, dialysis, and ventilator care
Sub-specialties, doctors, and nurses regularly on site Daily bedside visits with doctor and specialists On-site telemetry, radiology, and lab Licensed as an acute care hospital |
Basic medical care and short-term rehab services, such as speech therapy
Therapists and nurses take on most patient supervision and care Doctor may visit site as rarely as every 60 days Telemetry, radiology, and lab accessible but not on-site Licensed as a skilled nursing facility |
What Is an LTAC vs. IRF?
Now that we’ve gone over the key differences between an LTAC vs. SNF, you may also be wondering how an LTAC compares to other types of transitional and post-acute care settings. In particular, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are also a common interim destination for patients who are discharged from the hospital.
While LTAC facilities focus on caring for a variety of complex medical conditions, IRFs are specialized in helping patients regain function and independence after illness or injury. Patients in IRFs undergo tailored therapy programs that help them build back their strength and mobility. These programs are overseen by a multidisciplinary team of therapists, doctors, and nurses.
What Is an LTAC vs. LTC Facility?
Long term acute care and long-term care (LTC) facilities may have similar names, but their services are quite different. LTC facilities have a more residential feel, offering custodial care (e.g., ADLs, bathing, grooming, toileting) and maintenance for patients who can no longer safely live at home on their own. LTC residents often have an indefinite length of stay, unlike LTAC patients who have more distinct goals of returning home.
What Is Long-Term Acute Care vs. Hospice Care?
Unlike LTACs, hospice care is for patients who are approaching end-of-life and have less than six months to live. Hospice care can be provided in the hospital or at home, depending on a patient’s preferences. The overarching goal of hospice care is to make the patient feel comfortable, rather than focusing on curative treatments and therapies that are provided in LTACs.
What Factors Influence Hospital Discharge Planning?
Transferring a patient to an appropriate setting is an important step in the care process. Each facility is designed to support distinct treatment goals, and aligning these goals with the patient’s needs and preferences will help them achieve the best possible outcome. Below are some key factors to consider when determining what type of facility a patient should be transferred to.
- Severity of Illness: A patient’s condition will play a large role in determining what level of care they need. For example, patients who are weaning off a ventilator may benefit more from an LTAC team, whereas patients who need help adhering to daily medications will likely receive enough support from a SNF.
- Independence and Social Support: If a patient needs assistance with activities of daily living but lacks a network of family and caretakers, they may need the help of a SNF team rather than home care services.
- Patient Preferences: A patient’s personal goals and preferences should always be taken into account during care planning. Some patients may prefer receiving care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than being at a facility.
- Insurance and Finances: Health insurance plans can have a range of coverage limits, in-network options, and eligibility requirements. This can also influence what types of care settings are most affordable for patients. Intensive treatments and therapy programs at LTACs and IRFs will likely be more costly.
Get the Resources You Need to Optimize Patient Care
Understanding the differences between an LTAC vs. SNF is just one part of creating an effective treatment plan. Need more tools and resources to support your care team’s decision-making? IntelyCare’s team of experts offers dozens of other facility management tips and insights — all at no cost to you.