Choosing a Facility

When your doctor recommends medical rehabilitation, you are faced with an important question: Where will I go?

You want to find the program that best meets the needs of you and your family. There is a lot to consider, so take some time to visit the rehabilitation providers in your area and ask a lot of questions. Be sure to take notes so you can conduct a thorough comparison once you have all the information.

Before you visit, find out if your health insurance plan requires you to use a particular rehabilitation provider in order to receive coverage and how much of the cost will be covered. If you will be paying a significant portion of your bill, discuss this with the provider.

Here are just some of the questions you may want to ask when evaluating medical rehabilitation facilities and programs:

• Ask about your particular injury or condition, how it will be treated, and how often they treat people with similar needs.

• What outcome have others in my situation experienced after rehabilitation at this facility, and what is the average length of stay?

• Will I have therapy every day? What types of therapy, and how long will each session last?

• Is there a physiatrist on site 24 hours a day?

• Where is it located? Is it convenient for family to visit me during my stay? Are there accommodations nearby for family who need to stay overnight?

• Is individual or family counseling available?

• What is their mission statement and code of ethics?

• Is there patient and family education and support available?

• What are the staff’s credentials?

• Is the facility accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)?

• What type of discharge planning and assistance is provided?

• What is the facility’s patient satisfaction rating?