Which facility generally has a higher patient acuity?

A general hospital typically has a higher patient acuity because it is equipped to provide a wide range of services, including comprehensive emergency care, surgeries, and complex medical treatments. These facilities are designed to handle patients who require intensive monitoring and advanced medical care, often for serious health conditions that need immediate attention.

In contrast, ambulatory care centers primarily offer outpatient services and are not equipped for high-acuity patients. They focus on routine procedures and minor injuries, which require less intensive care. Skilled nursing facilities, while providing essential care, often cater to patients who need long-term rehabilitation or custodial care rather than acute medical treatment. Rehabilitation centers support patients recovering from surgeries or serious health events, focusing on therapy and recovery but generally not accommodating the immediate and high-intensity medical needs that arise in a general hospital.

Thus, the nature of services and the level of care provided in a general hospital position it as the facility with the highest patient acuity among the options.