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O FFERING INTEGRATED POST- ACUTE , medical and skilled nursing care, Vibra Healthcare provides coordinated treat- ment for patients as they transition from the hospital into their communities. New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital has long demonstrated Vibra's capabilities in caring for patients in the long-term acute care (LTAC) setting. Now, Vibra's September 2013 purchase of multiple campuses from Kindred Healthcare significantly broad- ens its reach. Three new Vibra facilities in Massachusetts — Vibra Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, as well as Vibra Hospital of Western Massachusetts - Central Campus and The Meadows of Central Massachusetts, both in Worcester — extend the same expert care for "chronically acute" patients across the state. Referring physicians and hospital partners will welcome the chance to reduce readmissions by discharging patients into LTAC facilities they know will provide specialized medical care to patients. And families are finding that Vibra Healthcare can provide caregiver education and outpatient support, identify competent home health partners, and help even medically complex patients thrive in the least restrictive settings. LTAC for the Most Complex Patients "We serve a population known as the chronically critically ill," says Peter Bagley, MD, Co-Medical Director of Vibra Hospital of Central Massachusetts. "These patients frequently suffer multiple organ failure and come to us from the ICU. We combine a high level of technological intervention with a robust rehabilitation program that enables them to return to the highest level of function they can enjoy." Hospital case managers and physician executives welcome the ability of LTAC centers to provide advanced services they cannot offer in the intensive care setting, Dr. Bagley says. "We provide more extensive rehabilita- tion," he notes. "Our patients often begin physical therapy while still on mechanical ventilation, for example. Early attention to strength building helps them become more independent." Both skilled nursing care and advanced technologies enable patients to grow stronger, Dr. Bagley says. "We recruit experienced ICU nurses," he adds. "I ca n't say enough good things about our staff, their dedication and experience." Vibra Healthcare employs technologies, such as fiber-optic endoscopic swallowing studies and noninvasive ventilation, to help patients recover. Vibra also uses advanced technology for ventilator weaning, but Dr. Bagley is quick to point out that relying on ventilation or tracheotomy support need not prevent patients' returning to the community. Instead, Vibra creates PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX, CHRONIC CONDITIONS OFTEN REQUIRE ONGOING ACUTE CARE AFTER A HOSPITALIZATION. VIBRA HEALTHCARE IS MEETING THAT NEED WITH AN EXPANDED CATCHMENT AREA THAT EXTENDS ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS. A Statewide Partner for Long-term Acute Care By Jennifer Webster PHOTOS BY: RYAN RICHARDSON Vibra Healthcare: COV ER FE AT UR E L–R: Jim Arcoleo, MD, Medical Director of Cardiology; Bruce Meth, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Etsimena Matuli, MD, attending physician; Bita Hosseini, MD, Medical Director/attending physician; Dan Landry, MD, Nephrologist M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Boston | 7