Admission Process

The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders specializes in providing medical care for the most severe eating disorder patients. ACUTE receives a high volume of patients in need of life-saving treatment.

Before scheduling an admission, each patient's case is considered on an individual basis, taking both the medical and psychiatric history into account to determine if ACUTE is appropriate. Our admissions team will happily answer any questions that you may have to ensure that ACUTE is the right place for you to begin the journey to recovery.

ACUTE Patient Criteria

• Male or female, ages 17 years and older
• Weigh less than 70% of their Ideal Body Weight (IBW) OR have Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 15
• Suffer from serious medical complications as a result of their eating disorder, such as an electrolyte imbalance, fluid problems, organ failure, cardiac irregularities or gastrointestinal complications
• Need to detox from purging mechanism, such as vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, while avoiding the common complications frequently associated with the cessation, including excessive edema or severe gastrointestinal complications
• Have previously experienced bouts of refeeding syndrome or excessive edema (swelling)

Admission Process

1. To schedule an admission at ACUTE, call (877) ACUTE 4U to speak directly with an ACUTE team member. The admissions team will happily coordinate an assessment with the patient, family member or referring provider as needed. Patients do not need a direct referral from their primary care physician.
2. The admissions team will conduct an initial assessment to gather a brief medical and psychiatric history and answer any questions about treatment at ACUTE.
3. If the patient meets basic admission criteria, the team will begin to coordinate a timely admission, request medical records, and begin the insurance authorization process. If necessary, ACUTE’s Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, will call the patient to conduct a more in-depth admissions interview and answer any specific questions related to complex medical stabilization.
4. Denver Health’s Private Patient Liaison (PPL) team will assist in coordinating the remaining details as well as the patient’s transportation to ACUTE. The PPL team will also assist in finding accommodations for family members and in coordinating private transportation from the airport, as needed.

Every patient receives individualized care and support from ACUTE's caring physicians and nursing staff to make the admission process as smooth as possible.

Next: Treatment Plan