What kind of care falls between acute care and chronic care?

Subacute care is a type of healthcare service that serves as a bridge between acute care and chronic care. It is designed for patients who have stabilized after an acute episode of illness but still require a level of care that is more intensive than what is typically provided in outpatient or home settings. This type of care focuses on rehabilitation, recovery, or the management of complex medical conditions over a longer time frame than acute care, but it is not as prolonged as chronic care.

Typically, patients receiving subacute care might be dealing with recovery from surgery, severe illness, or injury and are not yet ready to transition to lower levels of care, such as home health services or outpatient therapy. This care usually occurs in specialized facilities, such as subacute units within hospitals or dedicated rehabilitation centers, where patients can receive tailored treatment and support to regain their health and strength.