Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) gained rapid exposure during the pandemic when virtual medical care was safer than in-person visits. Now, the use of RPM has greatly accelerated and is becoming widely accepted and sought after. 

What Is Cardiology?

Cardiology, also known as the study of the heart and its functions, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect a person's cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

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Given that approximately 67% of hospital readmissions are related to cardiopulmonary decompensations, our cardiology program plays a vital role in reducing patient readmissions and emergency department visits. Many cardiac issues can be effectively managed within skilled nursing facilities, minimizing the need for disruptive hospital transfers. 

The Benefits of an In-House Cardiologist

 

  • Faster Response to Emergencies: In critical cardiac situations, an in-house cardiology team can provide immediate intervention, potentially saving lives by reducing response time.
  • Reduced Hospital Transfers: With on-site expertise, many cardiac issues can be managed within the nursing home, reducing the need for disruptive hospital transfers.
  • Preventative Care:  Regular visits from an in-house cardiologist enable proactive identification and management of heart-related risk factors and early intervention in case of warning signs.
  • Improved Care Coordination: In-house cardiology teams can work closely with the facility's medical team,  ensuring seamless cardiology care coordination of care for patients with complex heart conditions.

How Does Cardiology Impact Your Facility?

Improves Patient Outcomes

Staff members can benefit from the cardiology team expertise through training and education on cardiovascular care, leading to improved patient care overall.

  • Decrease in hospital readmissions
  • Ability to accept higher acuity patients
  • Stronger PPN/ACO partnership
  • Ability to accept higher acuity patients
  • Our Cardiologists provide patient risk stratification assessment
  • Formal and informal ongoing cardiac care clinical in-services 
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Speak With Our Experts!

Medrina is a physician-owned practice of medical professionals specializing in rehabilitative care. We can help your facility achieve more desired outcomes through specialized Cardiology services that integrate seamlessly with your current care team.

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FAQ's About Cardiology

Why do skilled nursing facilities need dedicated cardiology services?

Cardiac conditions, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and post-MI recovery, are among the most common reasons patients are admitted to skilled nursing facilities. Without dedicated cardiology oversight, these patients face a significantly higher risk of readmission. Medrina's cardiology program provides consistent specialist access to manage these conditions within the post-acute setting.

How does cardiology support reduce hospital readmissions in SNFs?

Heart failure alone accounts for a substantial share of 30-day SNF readmissions, many of which are preventable with proper monitoring and medication management. Regular cardiology follow-up within the facility allows for early detection of decompensation before it becomes an emergency. Medrina's cardiologists work alongside your nursing team to establish proactive monitoring protocols.

How does cardiology fit into a facility's PDPM strategy?

Cardiac comorbidities significantly impact a patient's PDPM case-mix group and reimbursement rate. Proper physician documentation of cardiac diagnoses, severity, and treatment plans ensures facilities capture the full reimbursement they're entitled to. Medrina's cardiologists are trained to document with PDPM accuracy in mind.

What should I look for when choosing a cardiology partner for my skilled nursing facility?

Look for a partner with experience in the post-acute setting, consistent on-site presence (not just telehealth), and a collaborative approach with your existing clinical team. Familiarity with SNF workflows, care plan integration, and readmission reduction strategies are essential. Medrina's cardiology program is built specifically for the SNF environment.