In the model systems, patients receive interdisciplinary
care from the time of injury and are provided with lifelong
follow-up. Patients are initially treated in acute care units,
and may then be transferred to IRF centers in an attempt to
decrease the extent of the injury, limit complications and
decrease the acute care LOS in the hospital.10 In 2005, the
average LOS in acute care was about 15 days, and average
LOS in IRF centers was 36 days. Overall, the mean number of
days hospitalized (during acute care and rehabilitation) was
greater for persons with neurologically complete injuries.