What is the term for when a patient is discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation facility and returns within three calendar days?

The term for when a patient is discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation facility and returns within three calendar days is referred to as an "interrupted stay." This concept is significant in the context of healthcare reimbursement as it can influence payment structures and facility resource management.

An interrupted stay typically indicates the patient's temporary discharge and subsequent return, which may occur for various reasons, including medical evaluations, therapy adjustments, or other clinical considerations. In the reimbursement framework, such situations can lead to specific coding and billing implications, as they often require the healthcare facility to track the patient's discharge and readmission closely.

Recognizing "interrupted stay" is essential for health information management and revenue cycle professionals because it affects how facilities report patient stays and calculate the associated costs. This understanding directly ties into the broader goals of managing care effectively while ensuring appropriate reimbursement.