Medical rehabilitation can be defined as specialized care provided in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that helps restore functional ability and quality of life. People often need medical rehabilitation after serious and disabling injuries, surgeries or illnesses. Receiving medical rehab can help people recover and regain strength and functionality before returning home.
What types of conditions require medical rehab?
Many disabling conditions can benefit from medical rehab, but here are some of the most
common:
Stroke
Brain injury
Amputation
Multiple major trauma
Orthopedic injury or surgery
Neurological conditions
Spinal cord injury
Cancer
Why is medical rehab a good choice?
There are various options for care after hospital discharge, including inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home healthcare. Medical rehab is offered in inpatient rehab hospitals, and the data shows that it’s often a more beneficial choice for the patient. According to the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, clinically comparable patients who stayed in an inpatient rehab hospital instead of a skilled nursing facility, on average*:
Remained home nearly 2 months longer
Had 5% fewer emergency room visits per year
Showed an 8% lower mortality rate
Returned hone 2 weeks earlier
Had significantly fewer hospital readmissions for 5 of the most common conditions
How is medical rehab different?
Medical rehab at an inpatient rehab hospital is a highly coordinated, team approach to care. The team includes a physician called a physiatrist, who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, rehab trained nurses, and a team of physical, speech, and occupational therapists. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s individual needs and case managers serve as a patient and family advocate to assist in finding support and resources that may be needed upon discharge
Where are resources available?
To learn more about the services we provide, visit our Patients & Family page. Indianapolis Rehabilitation Hospital is a member of The American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA), that also provides additional resources and information.
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