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A newly expanded clinical decision unit in Ohio State University Medical Center’s Emergency Department is helping to minimize unnecessary hospital admissions, which saves money for both the patients and the Columbus, Ohio-based medical center.

The 20-bed unit evaluates patients for conditions such as congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney infections, chest pain, and asthma. The unit has 40 professionals, including certified nurse practitioners, physicians, patient care resource managers, and social workers, all who monitor patients.

Patients can receive diagnostic and stress tests and have their medication monitored. Upon discharge, the patient receives necessary prescriptions and information related to follow-up appointments with a primary care physician.

“The ultimate goal is to prevent a patient from being admitted to the hospital or returning to the emergency department,” says Janet Susi, RN, nurse manager of the unit. “More importantly, our patients will have a treatment plan when they leave.”

Insurance companies don’t reimburse hospitals for admissions that don’t meet specific criteria. Patients discharged from the clinical decision unit do not incur the higher charges and copays required for hospital stays and treatments from specialists.

“This novel approach optimizes time with the patient, helping each patient get the best quality care they need in the most cost-effective way. It’s a win-win for the patient and the medical center,” Susi says.

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