Swing Bed (Short-Stay Rehabilitation)

What is Swing Bed?

Rivers Health offers a Joint Commission accredited Swing Bed Program which allows patients to remain at or transfer to our facility following discharge for rehabilitation. The short-stay program serves individuals who are in a transition phase of illness or recovery and no longer require acute care services. The program provides personalized nursing care and individualized therapies to assist patients in reaching their highest potential for health and independence prior to returning home.

The Swing Bed program allows physicians to “swing” a patient’s level of care from an acute level to rehabilitation level while keeping them in a hospital setting. The purpose of the swing bed program is to give patients individualized care and more time to recover and gain strength before leaving the hospital.

What services are included?

The program is ideal for patients who require skilled nursing services, physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy.

How long can patients stay? The Swing Bed program is considered short-term. The average length of stay for patients who participate and make progress is generally one to two weeks. For patients unable to return home that require long-term care, referrals to Rivers Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and other long-term care facilities may be made.

When is Swing Bed appropriate?

• To complete medical treatment of post-acute episode for pneumonia, diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive failure (COPD)
• Heal and regain strength for safe return home or other lower level of care after your hospital or surgical stay
• Intensive wound care
• Orthopaedic rehabilitation post-hip or knee surgery and other orthopaedic procedures
• Stroke rehabilitation

Who qualifies for Swing Bed?

In order for Medicare and private insurance to pay for the Swing Bed Program, patients must meet specific qualifying criteria. Medicare regulations allow for admission following a hospital stay of at least three days and an individual must require either skilled nursing or skilled therapy services. Other commercial insurances admit based on their determined criteria.

What should I expect while in the Swing Bed program?

• 24-hour skilled nursing services
• Daily assessment by interdisciplinary team
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy if needed
• Active participation and progess in therapies as prescribed
• Respiratory therapy
• Pharmacy services
• Nutrition services
• Social services
• Activities provided as tolerated/needed
• Discharge planning meeting

Payment

Medicare and some private insurance will pay for skilled swing bed services. For insurance patients, authorization for skilled swing bed services are obtained from the insurance carrier prior to admission. After admission, the case manager will be in communication with the insurance carrier about the length of stay covered.

*Any co-pay will be the responsibility of the patient and/or legal representative.

If you have additional questions, please contact our Admissions Coordinator at 304.857.3629.

HIPAA Requirements

While Rivers Health can accept Swing Bed patients from other acute care facilities, we cannot always explain an admission decision. Due to HIPAA requirements, explanation of a patient’s eligibility status may only be given by the patient’s current acute care facility.

Referral Process

1. Make a phone call to our Admissions Coordinator at 304.857.3629.
2. Admissions Coordinator/Case Manager pre-certifies patient and reviews with physician for acceptance.
3. Admissions Coordinator/Case Manager notifies you of acceptance.
4. Nurse to Nurse hand off/report day of patient discharge from acute facility and admission into the Swing Bed Program.