Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 41,290	$ 48,004
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,607 and $17,438	161,834	148,061
Prepaid expenses	12,765	11,321
Other current assets	22,072	24,630
Total current assets	237,961	232,016
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $101,941 and $94,266	143,965	148,536
Goodwill	334,695	334,695
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $21,314 and $20,611	49,364	50,067
Deferred tax asset	65,674	68,649
Other assets, net	23,721	24,322
Total assets	855,380	858,285
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	20,532	25,475
Payroll and employee benefits	87,334	82,130
Accrued expenses	65,845	68,493
Current portion of long-term obligations	68,513	33,888
Current portion of deferred income taxes	10,193	11,748
Total current liabilities	252,417	221,734
Long-term obligations, less current portion	68,376	111,551
Other long-term obligations	4,613	4,852
Total liabilities	325,406	338,137
Commitments and Contingencies - Note 5
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 31,443,152, and 31,017,363 shares issued; and 30,730,529 and 30,328,549 shares outstanding	31	30
Additional paid-in capital	437,024	432,390
Treasury Stock at cost 712,623, and 688,814 shares of common stock	(16,044)	(15,770)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15	13
Retained earnings	107,625	102,205
Total Amedisys, Inc. stockholders' equity	528,651	518,868
Noncontrolling interests	1,323	1,280
Total equity	529,974	520,148
Total liabilities and equity	$ 855,380	$ 858,285