Competitor Battle Cards
Verified intelligence on top SNF competitors to support counter-detailing and value articulation.
IRF Head-to-Head: United Medical HealthWest vs. Competitors
The United Medical HealthWest Advantage
- Local decision making - no corporate approval needed
- West Bank location eliminates bridge traffic for patients
- Physician-Led Daily Rounding
- Lower staff turnover with community-focused culture
Their Strengths
- • Part of a large national network (PAM Health)
- • Strong presence in Jefferson Parish
- • Aggressive marketing and liaison team
- • Co-located LTACH capabilities
Their Weaknesses
- • Corporate bureaucracy slows down decision making
- • Higher staff turnover rates reported
- • Mixed patient satisfaction reviews online
- • Distance for West Bank patients (cross-river traffic)
Counter-Detailing Scripts
The United Medical HealthWest Advantage
- More personalized, family-centered care
- Faster admission decisions (same-day approvals)
- West Bank location convenient for West Jefferson referrals
- Competitive outcomes without health system premium pricing
Their Strengths
- • Part of prestigious Ochsner Health System
- • Strong brand recognition
- • Integrated with Ochsner acute care network
- • Academic affiliation and research capabilities
Their Weaknesses
- • Higher costs due to health system overhead
- • Less personalized care in large system
- • Longer wait times for admission decisions
- • East Bank location less convenient for West Bank patients
Counter-Detailing Scripts
The United Medical HealthWest Advantage
- Modern facility with newer equipment
- West Bank location more accessible for Jefferson Parish patients
- More bed availability (shorter wait times)
- Easier family access with ample parking
Their Strengths
- • Uptown New Orleans location
- • Part of LCMC Health system
- • Strong community reputation
- • Academic teaching environment
Their Weaknesses
- • Older facility infrastructure
- • Limited bed capacity
- • Distance for West Bank and St. Bernard patients
- • Parking and access challenges in Uptown
Counter-Detailing Scripts
SNF Competitor Analysis
Deep dive into Skilled Nursing Facilities in the primary service area.
vs. State Avg: 9.4
Competitor Strengths
- Proximity to West Jefferson Medical Center (3 miles)
- West Bank location serves United Medical HealthWest's primary market
Critical Weaknesses
- Below Average Overall Rating (2/5 Stars)
- Below Average Staffing (2/5 Stars)
- Health Citations: 12 citations (State Avg: 9.4)
- Quality Measures: Below Average (2/5 Stars)
Highlight IRF's superior staffing ratios vs. Heritage's 2-star staffing rating.
Emphasize lower readmission risk given their citation count.
Contrast IRF's 3-hour therapy requirement with SNF's lower intensity.
Liaison Script
"Dr. Smith, while Heritage Healthcare of Gretna is close by, their 1-star staffing rating concerns us for a patient with this complexity. Our IRF offers 3x the RN hours per patient day, which is critical for preventing readmissions in this case."
PAM Health New Orleans promoting their 'Best of New Orleans' award from local media. They're leveraging this heavily with case managers at Ochsner Medical Center. Expect increased visibility in Q1 2026.
"Emphasize our specific clinical outcomes (e.g., higher discharge-to-community rate, lower readmission rates) rather than general awards. Use the 'Outcomes vs. Awards' battle card with specific FIM score improvements."
PAM Health announced plans to expand their stroke program with additional robotics equipment. This could strengthen their position with UMC neurology department. Estimated implementation Q2 2026.
"Monitor for new equipment announcements. Lead with our 'High-Touch' care model and emphasize our 24-hour admission guarantee. Technology alone doesn't reduce acute care hold days."
Case managers at West Jefferson report 2-3 day wait times for PAM Health admissions due to capacity constraints. They're frequently at 95%+ occupancy. This is creating frustration with referring hospitals.
"Exploit their capacity constraints. Emphasize our 24-hour admission guarantee and weekend admission capability. Position as the 'pressure relief valve' for hospitals with patients stuck in acute care beds."
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, PAM's Medical Director, announced retirement effective March 2026. This could create temporary disruption in physician relationships during transition period.
"Strengthen relationships with referring physicians during their transition period. Emphasize stability of our medical leadership team and continuity of care."
Ochsner Rehabilitation expanding outpatient services to capture post-acute continuum. May reduce inpatient focus.
"Emphasize our inpatient specialization and hospital-level care capabilities."
PAM Health corporate implementing new regional oversight structure. Local CEO now reports to Regional VP instead of directly to corporate. This could slow decision-making for competitive responses.
"Exploit their potential bureaucratic slowdown. Emphasize our local decision-making authority and ability to respond quickly to hospital needs. Speed and flexibility as competitive advantages."
Ochsner case management reports PAM Health authorization delays with certain Medicare Advantage plans. Average 24-36 hour authorization turnaround vs. our 90-minute guarantee.
"Highlight our 90-minute authorization guarantee for most payers. Create case study showing reduced acute care hold days. This directly impacts hospital throughput and revenue."
CMS IRF Compare data shows PAM Health New Orleans readmission rate of 12.8% vs. national average of 11.5%. This is a vulnerability we can exploit with quality-focused physicians.
"Develop outcomes transparency reports showing our readmission rates vs. competitors. Share quarterly with all referring hospitals. Position as quality leader focused on reducing hospital readmissions."