Advanced Care Unit

The Advanced Care Unit (ACU) at Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics provides local inpatient treatment for patients whose illnesses or conditions don’t rise to the level of the ICU but require more attention than acute care. With specialized medical services and round-the-clock monitoring, patients can rest assured their inpatient stay will not require a transfer to an out-of-town healthcare facility, keeping them close to family and friends.

24/7 Care

The ACU uses telenocturnist and telecardiologist services to provide patients with specialized healthcare in a local setting. By providing access to medical specialists all day, every day, the Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics ACU empowers patients to receive the expert health consultation they need in a familiar environment.


FAQs

Admission to the ACU typically occurs in the following scenarios:

  1. Direct admission from emergency or general care units.  If your condition requires more monitoring than a general care floor but not the full scope of ICU care, you may be admitted to the ACU.
  2. Post-surgery monitoring.  Some surgical patients may be placed in the ACU for observation during recovery.
  3. Planned admission.  Physicians may directly admit patients to the ACU for certain conditions or treatments needing close observation.

Yes, patients can be transferred to the ACU from another hospital or healthcare center. Transfers are typically arranged when:

  • A higher or more focused level of care is needed than available at the originating facility.
  • The transfer aligns with your treatment plan and your insurance or medical coverage is verified.
  • Your healthcare provider or hospital staff will coordinate the transfer, including arranging transportation and communication with our care team.

The ACU is suitable for patients who need a higher level of care due to:

  • Respiratory issues requiring oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation
  • Cardiac monitoring for arrhythmias or post-procedure observation
  • Infections like sepsis, needing IV antibiotics, and monitoring
  • Chronic illness exacerbations such as COPD or diabetes complications
  • Recovery from major surgery where close observation is necessary
  • Neurological conditions that do not need ICU but still require frequent monitoring

Yes, the ACU at Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Our billing team can assist with verifying benefits and determining coverage for ACU-related care.

The ACU is designed to provide care for a range of complex but stable conditions. However, patients with certain needs may not be suitable for admission. Your care team will assess your medical history and current condition to determine the most appropriate care setting for you.

Your ACU Provider Team


Daniel M. Hallam, MD, PhD

Daniel M. Hallam, MD, PhD*

Douglas Kruse, MD

Douglas Kruse, MD*

*Non-employed, independent consultant of CAH&C

For more information on the Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics ACU, call 217-854-3141, ext. 227.