Short-Term Rehabilitation for Long-Term Results

Short-term rehabilitation is also known as skilled rehabilitation or post-acute care. It's designed to help you recover faster after a hospital stay so you won’t require a repeat hospital stay. Typically, you would go to the onsite therapy gym one or more times a day for physical, occupational or speech therapy, depending on what your personal doctor prescribes. Our team will be in regular contact with you, your family and doctor(s) throughout your stay.

Short-term rehabilitation could be suitable for assisting you in recovery from strokes, joint replacements, neurological ailments, and any number of surgeries, accidents, and illnesses. Many patients who are ready to leave the hospital aren't yet ready to return to their normal activity levels. At a short-term rehabilitation community or center, you'll receive a care plan to help you return to health and well-being as soon as possible under the care of doctors, therapists, and other experts in rehabilitation.

It all depends on why you’re receiving rehabilitation care. Many people recovering from a knee replacement may need only a week or so of therapy, while someone recovering from a stroke may need a longer time to rebuild their strength. On average, most WesleyLife short-term rehabilitation clients are home in less than three weeks. New federal regulations mean that organizations like WesleyLife will do their utmost to make sure medical care is provided no longer than needed to ensure a good outcome for you.

Federal rules are changing, so it is important to ask your hospital discharge planner if your short-term rehabilitation stay will qualify for Medicare. Typically, Medicare coverage is provided for rehabilitation following an eligible hospital stay. Those without Medicare may find their stays are covered by managed are or private insurance. You may wish to contact your insurance company to see if WesleyLife is part of your provider network.

For a short-term rehabilitation stay to be covered by Medicare, you must have been admitted as an inpatient for a qualified hospital stay. Typically, Medicare provides coverage if you were admitted as an in-patient for three consecutive nights in a hospital. Most of our clients come directly from the hospital, but people may be eligible for a short-term rehabilitation stay within the first 30 days of a hospital discharge, even if they go home first. Your doctor will determine if you have a short-term rehabilitation need. (Please note: Hospital stays for “observation” do not qualify for reimbursement.)

All pertinent medical records will be transferred to us by your doctor. Please bring the following documents on your first day with us:

• Your cards for Medicare, supplemental insurance, private insurance, Veterans Administration and/or Medicare Part D coverage
• Long-term care insurance information
• Medical and financial powers of attorney
• Advance directives or living will documents.

If Medicare is your primary payer source, you may qualify for up to 100 days of rehabilitation, if medically necessary. You must show steady improvement and be a willing participant in your rehabilitation for Medicare to continue your coverage.

You can qualify for another short-term rehabilitation stay once you have a 60-day "spell of wellness." This means you have no hospitalizations within the last day of your last short-term rehabilitation and your next qualifying hospital stay.