News Releases

Decline in Skilled Nursing Volume Leveling Off

Over the last decade skilled nursing facility days and discharges have seen a steep decline. A variety of factors, such as regulatory changes, shifts in patient preferences and operational adjustments to promote hospital efficiency, have contributed to this trend. However, recent analysis of Northeast Ohio data highlighted in the latest Key Indicators Report suggests that the steady declines in skilled nursing volume have begun to level off. 

Also noted in the report is that while skilled nursing volume has trended downward, average length of stay for skilled nursing has been relatively stable – and even increased in recent years. Skilled nursing care has become increasingly important for many hospitals as a strategy to reduce unnecessary readmissions. Recently released research from Health Services Research found that hospital readmissions correlate more strongly with overall availability of primary care doctors and the quality of skilled nursing facility care in a given area than any other socioeconomic factor. 

The Key Indicators Report provides analysis of the hospital market based on Volume Statistics data. More information on skilled nursing facility volume trends is available by contacting George Jeney via email or at 216.255.3666.