Inpatient Rehabilitation
Change text size
Who Do We Serve?
We serve persons who have temporary, progressive or permanent illness or disability that interrupts physicals function, communication, thinking and reasoning, independent living skills, vocational and economic status.
Ages Served: Adolescents 14 years through adults.
Admissions Criteria
- Evaluated by a physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) and pre-admission screening is completed.
- Patient remains medically acute with initial testing and evaluation completed for treating diagnosis, and will participate in a daily three-hour therapy program or is showing progress towards tolerating three hours of therapy a day.
- If traumatically brain injured, patient demonstrates cognitive functioning at a minimum of Rancho Los Amigos Scale of 4.
- Demonstrates the ability and desire to improve their physical, cognitive and functional skills: Is unable to do at least 2 of the following:
- Complete activities of daily living.
- Move self from place to place.
- Manage elimination needs.
- Communicate or understand information.
- Cognitively process information, memory and reasoning.
- A person's condition requires an integrated team approach of intensive daily therapies and 24 hour/day rehabilitation nursing care.
- There is a discharge plan in place prior to admission.
- We do not provide service to those on mechanical ventilation.
Inpatient Programs
MeritCare offers a wide variety of inpatient programs to meet the health needs of patients.
Typical Day
A typical day in rehabilitation may vary by person, length of stay, physician visits, procedures and tests.
Discharge Process & Follow-up Care
MeritCare offers a comprehensive discharge process and follow-up care for patients as they prepare to leave the inpatient setting.
Patient Satisfaction
As a service, we evaluate our clinical, financial, workforce, service and operational excellence and knowing we have done our job is important to us. This information helps us in improving our care programs and meeting the needs of the individuals we serve. We welcome your feedback and suggestions through:
- A survey sent to the patient's home post discharge.
- A follow-up phone call after the patient has returned home.
- An annual survey and personal feedback.
We also provide outcomes data to the professional and local community on meritcare.com
Insurance
Payer Information
- Medicare: Pays for the cost of inpatient rehabilitation provided you meet the criteria. The physiatrist will make the decision, however it is subject to review by Medicare.
- Benefits will be verified prior to admission and pre-authorization for admission obtained from Insurance, Medical Assistance and Managed Care.
- Self-payment can be arranged through consultation with financial counselors at MeritCare.
- Each patient approved will receive a financial disclosure regarding benefits from the business office.
- Case management and or social workers will consult with your insurance case manager for continued authorization during your stay. They may also guide you in filing for additional financial assistance if necessary.
For people who do not meet admission criteria, the physiatrist makes recommendations for alternative rehabilitation services and discharge.