Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. In its most severe form, victims face a devastating 4,500% increased risk for death. In the wake of the recent national attention on the limited treatment options available for these extreme cases, it is important for sufferers to know that help is available. The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health is the country's only specialized medical stabilization center for adults who are at risk for medical complications associated with the refeeding syndrome – a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that, without expert care, can result in multi-organ failure, cardiac arrest and death. ACUTE is uniquely tailored to treat patients who are turned away from typical inpatient treatment programs and other hospitals due to the severity of their weight loss and other medical complications.
Founded by world renowned expert, Dr. Philip S. Mehler, ACUTE has quickly become the National Center for Excellence in the treatment of severe eating disorders. Since its opening in 2009, ACUTE has successfully treated hundreds of patients suffering from the most severe forms of anorexia nervosa on a highly specialized medical unit in Denver Health Medical Center. Each patient is treated by a team of highly trained internal medicine physicians including the country's only Certified Eating Disorder Specialists, in addition to psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical dietitians, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and an expert 24/7 nursing staff.
"At ACUTE we have the opportunity to offer hope to patients who otherwise have nowhere to turn. This disease can be devastating and unfortunately treatment options are limited once a patient becomes critically ill," says Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, ACUTE's Associate Medical Director. The typical length of stay at ACUTE is 2-3 weeks with a multi-disciplinary team working tirelessly to stabilize patients and ready them for ongoing care. With the ultimate goal of full recovery, ACUTE works closely with eating disorder treatment programs nationwide. Each patient discharges directly to an inpatient or residential treatment program of their choice for their long-term care.
Stabilization at ACUTE is covered under each patient's medical insurance benefit and for patients who are ready to commit to treatment, typical approval time is 24-48 hours. Denver Health has built an unrivaled reputation that allows ACUTE to work closely with insurers to obtain coverage. In cases where a hospital to hospital transfer is necessary, ACUTE's admission team can also help facilitate urgent air ambulance transport – a service that has helped save nearly 20% of ACUTE's patients.
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