Rehabilitation Service Comparison

Question 1

Acute Care

Answer 1

• PT in the hospital setting for surgery, serious injury, or medical condition patient
• inpatient stay is as short as possible
• patients are discharged as soon as medically stable

Question 2

Long term Acute Care (LTAC)

Answer 2

• patients need services long term due to chronic illness or injury
• > 28 days average length stay
• require constant medical supervision & cannot be discharged to another rehab setting

Question 3

Acute Rehab/Inpatient Rehab

Answer 3

• interdisciplinary specialized
• physiatrist available >3days/week & 24/7 for emergencies
• 24 hour rehab nursing care
• patient must tolerate >3hours of PT/OT/SLP 5 days/week or 15 hours/week
• must have social workers, psychology, & recreational therapy
• length of stay is typically 5-30 days
• expectation of discharge to community

Question 4

Sub-Acute Rehab/SNF Focus

Answer 4

• covered for 100 days max Medicare
• typically 1-2 hours of PT/OT/SLP daily
• often 1-2 RN/shift + CNAs
• limited nursing care/infrequent physician visits
• paid per diem -> incentive to keep patients longer

Question 5

Nursing Home Custodial Care

Answer 5

• not skilled care
• typically after sub-acute rehab stay
• no PT/OT/SLP paid for
• residential
• disabled or elderly patients with limited family support

Question 6

Home Health

Answer 6

• must be home bound; patient needs help of another person or medical equipment or doctor believes that patient’s health could get worse if leaving home
• typically 2-3x/week visits
• limited home health aide coverage (typically 5-10 hours/week)

Question 7

Outpatient

Answer 7

• mobile patients
• can be sub-specialized
• can be up to 5 days/week

Question 8

Comprehensive Outpatient Rehab Facilities

Answer 8

• can be specifically licensed & CARF accredited
• inter-disciplinary
• “Day hospital programs” may have RN
• typically 4 hours 3-5 days/week
• often sub-specialized