What Qualifies A Patient For Skilled Nursing Care?
When a loved one becomes suddenly injured or ill, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. In 2024, 1,226,089 people were living in a certified skilled nursing facility, and the demand for skilled nursing facilities is only expected to grow as the population ages. Therefore, it’s never too early to be looking into what qualifies a patient for skilled nursing care.
If you’ve been wondering what qualifies a patient for skilled nursing care, keep reading to learn the answer, and to learn more about skilled nursing care in Utah.
Are You Looking For Skilled Nursing Services In Utah? Check Out Monument Health Group Today.
What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
According to Medicare.gov, skilled nursing care is specialized medical services provided by or under the supervision of a medical professional. The focus with this type of care is to treat, manage, and evaluate serious health conditions.
What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?
Per Medicare.gov, Medicare covers skilled nursing care for patients who:
- Have a “qualifying in-patient hospital stay” (defined as three consecutive days in the hospital).
- Have a doctor who has determined they require skilled nursing care.
- Plan on receiving skilled nursing care from a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility, and plan to move to the skilled nursing facility within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
- Require skilled nursing care to treat an ongoing condition (even if it isn’t the medical condition you initially entered the hospital for).
Under Medicare, there are exceptions to the qualifying hospital stay rule if your doctor participates in one of Medicare’s “Skilled Nursing Facility Three-Day Rule Waivers.” See your plan for details.
Understanding The Level Of Care Provided
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), the level of care you can expect to receive will depend on the level of care your specific health condition requires. In general, the majority of skilled nursing facilities will provide the following rehabilitation and medical services:
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
Common Health Conditions That Qualify
- Extended hospital stays for a medical condition
- Brain injuries
- Strokes
- Major surgeries, such as joint replacement surgeries
Therapy And Recovery Needs
Skilled nursing care often goes beyond basic recovery into post-recovery therapy to get patients as close to their pre-injury function as possible. For example, if a patient recently suffered a stroke or had major surgery, skilled nursing care would begin with transitional care from the hospital to the skilled nursing facility. Then, once the patient is ready, move on to rehabilitation therapy.
Medical Needs That Require Skilled Attention
- Post-surgical care
- Complex wound care
- Post-traumatic injury care
- In-patient rehabilitation
- IV therapy
- Chronic condition management
Skilled Nursing Care In Utah
Monument Health Group’s skilled nursing facilities in Utah offer extensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing services in 13 locations. Whether you’re looking for short-term rehabilitation care after a major surgery, or you’re requiring more elaborate services at a skilled nursing facility, we have options that can help.
For skilled nursing in Utah, check out Monument Health Group, where you will find compassionate care from expertly trained staff who provide comprehensive services, such as:
- Long-term care
- Short-term care
- Extensive skilled nursing options
- Post-hospital care
- Wound care
- Traumatic injury care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
When a patient begins to require more extensive medical services, it can be tough to know where to look, or what is going to qualify you for the care you need. Whether it’s for a short-term stay, or you’re looking for a long-term care situation, Monument Health Group has comprehensive options to help.
Are You Searching For Post-Hospital Care In Utah? Check Out Monument Health Group Today For Comprehensive Care.
Sources:
Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care. (2023).
Skilled Nursing Facility Care. (n.d.).
Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Facilities. (2023).
Total Number of Residents in Certified Nursing Facilities. (2024).