Choosing a rehabilitation center after a hospital stay

Medical review pending. This article is awaiting review by a qualified clinician.

Hospital discharge planners often present several options at once. The main differences are how much therapy you receive each day, how much physician oversight is available and where you live during recovery.

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities provide intensive therapy with close physician involvement for people who can take part in it. Skilled nursing facilities offer a lower intensity of therapy alongside nursing care. Outpatient clinics suit people who can live at home and travel to appointments.

You have the right to choose among providers that accept your coverage. Ask for the list in writing and compare options on Medicare Care Compare where available.

Use this checklist

• Ask the care team which level of therapy they recommend, and why.
• Confirm Medicare or insurance coverage and any prior-authorization requirement.
• Ask how many patients with your condition the program treats each year.
• Ask how discharge home will be planned and who coordinates follow-up therapy.

Sources

1. Medicare.gov — Inpatient rehabilitation care
2. CMS — Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
3. Medicare Care Compare

Find providers

• Rehabilitation centers
• Inpatient rehab hospitals
• Skilled nursing

General educational information only — not medical advice. Coverage, regulations and individual needs vary. Talk with a qualified clinician about your situation.