One year's experience with a noninvasively monitored intermediate care unit for pulmonary patients
B. P. Krieger, P. Ershowsky and D. Spivack
Division of Pulmonary Disease, University of Miami School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140.
Many studies have shown that selected cardiac patients can be safely and
economically cared for in intermediate care units rather than intensive
care units. However, there are only limited data concerning intermediate
care units for pulmonary patients. We prospectively followed up all
Medicare patients from May 5, 1987, through May 4, 1988, who were admitted
to a pulmonary noninvasive monitoring unit. Ninety-four patients were
admitted 104 times; 33 required mechanical ventilatory support for an
average of 26 days. The overall cost savings were greater than $173,000,
while high-quality medical care was maintained. We conclude that a
noninvasive monitoring unit can be effectively used as an alternative to
the intensive care unit for selected pulmonary patients.
