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How long can I stay at the skilled nursing facility?
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You will stay in the skilled nursing facility until you and your doctor feel you have met the medical goals established when you were admitted.
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What does skilled care mean?
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Occupational or speech therapist. |
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If I have 100 skilled facility days in my benefit plan, why can't I stay for the whole 100 days?
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According to Medicare, you may use your skilled nursing facility days for as long as you are at a skilled level of care. (see question 2)
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Who will arrange services for me to leave the hospital? |
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The hospital and/or your physician work with a case manager whose responsibility is to be certain you have the appropriate services for when you leave the hospital.
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Who is a case manager? |
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A case manager is most often a registered nurse who works with your physician. He/She is very experienced in the types of services patients need prior and after hospitalization and can be a very important part of your care. When you enter the healthcare system a case manager may be in contact with you to assist you with specific needs whether for a piece of medical equipment or a transfer to another facility. Case managers work for physicians, hospitals and health plans.
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Do I have a say when I will transfer to a facility? |
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Your physician, case manager and you will decide the most appropriate time for you to transfer.
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Do I have input in the choice of facility I have rehabilitation in? |
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Yes, you will always have input in the facility choice. However, your physician will have relationships with certain facilities he works with and may suggest you transfer to one of them.
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What if I don't feel safe enough to leave the hospital, can I stay longer? |
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If you do not feel safe enough to leave the hospital, you should always let your doctor, nurse, and case manager know. With your input a decision can be made as to what the next step should be.
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