Three Rapid Evaluation and Treatment Units (RETU) for Emergency Department (ED) patients were recently opened at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai Roosevelt, and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s. These observation units are designed to care for patients who cannot be safely discharged after their initial evaluation and management in the ED, yet may not meet the criteria for inpatient admission. They follow a model of care set by The Mount Sinai Hospital in February when it opened the first RETU in New York City.

Generally, these observation units, which range in size from 10 to 21 beds, are appropriate for patients who may require diagnostic testing and/or prolonged treatment and evaluation for certain conditions before an inpatient admission decision can be made.

“Patients benefit from receiving timely, high-quality, evidence-based clinical care in a well-staffed unit that addresses all elements of their health care needs, including psychosocial components, and arrangements for follow-up care,” says Jeffrey Farber, MD, MBA, Vice President, Hospital Services Utilization, Mount Sinai Health System.

“The collaborative efforts of nurses, social workers, case management staff, physician assistants, and hospitalist staff are outstanding, and ensure safe discharge and follow-up care as quickly as possible,” says Dahlia Rizk, DO, Chief of Hospital Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel.

To date, The Mount Sinai Hospital has admitted 4,155 patients to its RETU; Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai Roosevelt, 438; and Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 732. About 20 percent of patients admitted to a RETU require inpatient admission for further hospital care.

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