Skilled Nursing Facilities Vs. Impatient Rehab Care
One of the most asked questions we get is what’s the difference between skilled nursing facilities and impatient rehab care? To an outsider of this industry all your options for placement and rehabilitation needs can become overwhelming. So, we compiled a breakdown of what each option offers you.
Remember at the end of the day, this is a personal decision that no one else can make for you. The true differences are skilled nursing facilities offer a home like setting for rehabilitation rather than staying in a hospital environment, they provide individualized treatment plans rather than group therapy and are covered by different payor sources.
| Top Considerations | Skilled Nursing Facility | Inpatient Rehab Care |
|---|---|---|
|
Disciplines Provided |
Physical, Occupational and
Speech Therapy |
Physical, Occupational and
Speech Therapy |
|
Program intensity |
1 to 2 ½ hours of daily individual therapy treatment |
At least 3 hours of daily therapy; including group therapy |
|
Average length of stay |
14 to 60 days |
10 to 35 days |
|
Access to physicians |
Physician visits 1 to 3 times a week; NP or PA 1-3 times a week; however, depending on the patients needs they can be seen more |
Daily physician visits |
|
Staffing |
RN, LVNs, CNAs, CMAs-specialize in Rehabilitative Care |
Registered nurses who specialize in rehabilitative care |
|
Costs and Medicare coverage |
Uses the Medicare Part A Skilled Nursing Benefits when using your Medicare Part A, Other Medicare replacement plans may have different benefits |
Uses the Medicare Part A Acute Days. May be partially covered, depending on facility; may require a deductible; Medicare Replacement plans may have different benefits |
|
Treatment Days Per week |
Up to 6 Days |
Up to 6 Days |
