Lehigh Valley Health Network to open rehab center, add 125 jobs

To provide a full continuum of services for patients, Lehigh Valley Health Network this summer will be opening an inpatient rehabilitation facility for adults 18 or older.

The 34-bed rehabilitation center at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township will occupy the sixth and seventh floors of the Kasych Family Pavilion’s South Tower – bringing with it 125 new jobs – including specialized rehabilitation physicians, rehabilitation nurses, and physical, occupational and speech therapists.

“This new facility will allow us to continue to address the needs of our community,” said LVHN president and CEO, Brian Nester.

People recovering from conditions such as stroke, neurological disorders, orthopedic injuries, amputations, post-surgical conditions or other debilitations are most likely to use the unit. The facility will provide a minimum of three hours of intensive, specialized rehabilitation therapy almost every day for an average of two weeks for patients whose conditions require such care.

The new unit is a key component of LVHN’s recently named Medicare accountable care organization. Being an ACO means LVHN will be held accountable for coordinating care provided to more than 32,000 Medicare beneficiaries. LVHN estimates indicate that 75 percent of the recipients of the inpatient rehabilitation services will be Medicare patients.

“By providing short-term intensive rehabilitation, we’re ensuring a seamless continuum of care for patients without leaving our health network,” Nester said. “In addition, having the unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest allows patients access to our specialists should any additional medical problems arise.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network includes four hospital facilities - two in Allentown, one in Bethlehem and one in Hazleton; 12 health centers caring for communities in five counties; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices throughout the region; pharmacy, imaging, home health services and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred.

Source: LVB.com