Chronic Wounds in Long-Term Care: A Silent Epidemic
Chronic wounds are a major challenge inΒ long-term care (LTC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), where frail and aging residents faceΒ increased risks of pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous ulcers. Without proper treatment, these wounds lead toΒ infections, amputations, and even death.
For LTC operators,Β unmanaged wounds are not just a clinical issueβtheyβre a financial and regulatory risk. Facilities that lack a structured, proactive wound care programΒ face higher costs, more hospital transfers, and increased scrutiny from state surveyors and payers.
The Cost, Risk & Regulatory Impact of Wounds in Long-Term Care
- Pressure injuries affect 10% of LTC residents, with incidence rates ranging fromΒ 2.3% to 23.9%, depending on care levels.
- The cost to treat a single pressure injury ranges from $20,900 to $151,700, straining facility resources.
- Diabetic foot ulcers impact up to 15% of LTC residents with diabetes, often leading toΒ infection, amputation, and hospitalization.
- Chronic venous ulcers make up 80% of lower extremity wounds, requiringΒ long-term management and costly interventions.
- Hospitalization risks increase with chronic wounds, leading toΒ higher penalties and reduced facility reimbursements.
- Regulatory fines for wound-related deficiencies can be severe, with nursing home penalties averagingΒ $18,056 per citation, while some facilities have faced fines as high asΒ $160,000Β for pressure ulcer-related violations.
Given this variability, long-term care facilities should prioritize comprehensive wound care management and compliance with care standards to mitigate the risk of substantial fines and, more importantly, to ensure resident well-being.
WithΒ assisted living and SNF occupancy on the rise, the demand forΒ cost-effective, outcome-driven wound care solutionsΒ is greater than ever.
The Importance of Advanced Wound Care Dressings in LTC
Traditional wound care approaches are no longer enough. Today, per regulatory guidance, facilities must follow published, evidence-based standards of practice. UtilizingΒ advanced primary and secondary dressingsΒ that promoteΒ faster healing, lower infection risk, and better resident comfortΒ will meet those standards.
Key Advanced Wound Care Dressings for LTC Facilities:
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Β Collagen DressingsΒ β Support tissue growth and healing in chronic wounds.
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Β Bordered Super-AbsorbentsΒ β Manage high-exudate wounds, preventing leakage and maceration.
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Β Silicone DressingsΒ β Reduce trauma and pain upon dressing changes, especially for fragile skin.
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Β Antimicrobial DressingsΒ β Help prevent infection in wounds at high risk of bacterial colonization.
However, choosing the right dressing is only part of the solution.Β Facilities must also understandΒ which products are reimbursable, ensuring cost-effective care without unnecessary financial strain.
Curitec: Your Partner in Wound Care, Compliance & Reimbursement Navigation
AtΒ Curitec, we donβt just supply dressingsβwe provide aΒ comprehensive wound care programΒ that combinesΒ in-person ni, reimbursement expertise, and real-time reportingΒ to helpΒ LTC facilities improve outcomes while controlling costs and mitigating regulatory risks.
How Curitec Helps LTC Operators:
βΒ In-Person Clinical Support & Monthly Rounding:
Curitecβs experienced wound care cliniciansΒ round monthly with the treatment team and practitioner, ensuringΒ continuity of care, product optimization, and complianceΒ with best practices. This hands-on approach is essential for maximizing the benefits ofΒ Curitecβs Part B services, improving wound healing rates, and reducing facility risk.
βΒ Expert Navigation of Reimbursable Wound Care Products:
Curitec helps facilitiesΒ identify and implement the most effective, reimbursable advanced wound dressings, reducing unnecessary wound-related expenses.
βΒ Comprehensive Staff Support & Education:
Curitec works alongside nursing teams toΒ ensure proper product selection, application, and best-practice wound care management.
βΒ Real-Time Reporting & Transparency:
CuritecβsΒ advanced reporting platformΒ providesΒ full visibility into wound care trends, product utilization, and patient outcomes, enabling data-driven decisions to enhance care quality and cost efficiency.
Real-Time Reporting: Driving Transparency & Accountability
CuritecβsΒ real-time data and analyticsΒ empower facilities to:
πΉΒ Track wound progression and healing rates
πΉΒ Monitor dressing usage and cost efficiency
πΉΒ Ensure compliance with regulatory standards
πΉΒ Identify high-risk residents before complications arise
WithΒ Curitecβs real-time reporting, LTC administrators gainΒ full visibility into their wound care program, ensuring transparency, accountability, and better financial sustainability.
Letβs Talk Wound Care Solutions for Your Facility
Proactive wound care is no longer optionalβitβs essential.Β Curitec helps long-term care facilities improve wound outcomes while lowering costs and regulatory risk.
π©Β Email us atΒ Letstalk@primesourcex.com
πΒ Call us atΒ (877) 877-4638
Letβs discuss howΒ Curitec can help transform wound care in your facility today.