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"As healthcare continues to change, the key is to keep people as healthy as possible and out of hospitals and ER’s," said Steven Tisser, senior administrator of outpatient services at the Westchester-based rehabilitation center. "Rehab plays a big role in keeping people healthy and can be a lower-cost way to keep them on track and prevent injuries from becoming much more of an issue later on."
Burke has seen tremendous growth in their outpatient division in the past decade, due in part to advances in surgery. "A lot of surgeries are now being done through less invasive procedures, and as a result, patients are ready for outpatient therapy sooner than ever," said Tisser. Although shorter hospital stays benefit patients, it can be challenging to handle the rapid transfer from operating room to rehab. "It requires us to be on top of our game," said Tisser. "We're getting patients with a greater level of acuity since they are in the hospital for much shorter periods of time."
Burke has seven outpatient rehabilitation centers across Westchester County and the Bronx, providing care for patients with sports injuries, strokes, cardiac diseases and other illnesses. Burke’s outpatient therapists treat more than 125,000 patients a year, often at facilities within their hometown or nearby.
"If people have to see a therapist 2-3 times a week for several weeks, it’s not the most convenient thing to do," said Tisser. "We try to put ourselves within five miles of where our patients come from to make it easier on them."
Opened in 1915, Burke has been a part of Westchester families for generations. "Wherever I go, people always say 'I had a family member who went to Burke'," said Tisser. "You may not know us until you actually need us, but when you do, it’s comforting to know Burke is there for you."
Visit Burke Rehabilitation Hospital's website to learn more about outpatient services offered.
