Patients have various options to meet their rehabilitation needs, however it is essential that they be educated on the differences in those options. For patients who are seeking rehabilitation services, there are typically two options to select: Acute Rehab or Skilled Nursing Facility. Below is a chart to detail the differences between these options to allow for the patient to determine what option meets their current medical and rehabilitation needs.
Services |
Typical IRF |
Typical SNF |
Physician Visits |
Daily |
1 to 3 X per week |
Type of Physician |
Physiatrist - 24-hour availability |
Geriatrician, internist, family practitioner - limited availability |
Consultants |
All specialties readily available |
Limited specialist availability |
Radiology & Lab |
On site |
Limited- usually contracted service |
Nursing Hours of Care |
5.5 and higher hours per day primarily RN's; 24-hour availability |
2 - 3 hours daily, primarily CNA's |
Nursing Skill Mix |
Professional registered nurses specializing and certified in Rehabilitation Nursing |
Non-professional nursing assistants certified in long-term care with LPN and RN supervision |
Function |
Complex level of care Patient and Family education |
Basic level of care Support |
Integration of care |
Coordinated multidisciplinary team directed by physician |
Several individual disciplines, |
Typical Length of Stay |
10 - 35 Days, depending on diagnosis |
24 - 60 Days |
Therapy Intensity |
3 - 5 hours daily |
1 - 2 hours daily |
Team Meetings |
Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings lead by physician and includes family. |
Several individual disciplines |
Neuropsychologists |
Full time |
Limited |
Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy |
Registered Physical & Occupational Therapists |
PT Assistants and Aides COTA deliver much of the care |
Audiologist, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Worker |
Full time |
Limited |
Speech Language Therapist |
Full time |
Limited |
Accreditation |
JCAHO and CARF |
None |
Quality Improvement |
QA/UR, Program Patients have various options to meet their rehabilitation needs, however it is essential that they be educated on the differences in those options. For patients who are seeking rehabilitation services, there are typically two options to select: Acute Rehab or Skilled Nursing Facility. Below is a chart to detail the differences between these options to allow for the patient to determine what option meets their current medical and rehabilitation needs.
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None |