Post-acute care is the coordination of the care you get after you leave the hospital following a severe medical, neurologic or multiple trauma incident. It's one of the most essential services provided by a hospital – roughly 20 percent of patients in a hospital need post-acute care.
Because the service is so important for your long-term health, MU Health Care has a dedicated post-acute care team. Our expert team of skilled physicians helps you return to your highest safe level of functional independence by matching you with the right rehabilitation plan for your needs.
Largest board-certified post-acute team in the region
MU Health Care has the largest board-certified post-acute care team in the region. Our team of physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors focuses solely on how you're functioning after a medical, neurologic or multiple trauma event and how to maximize your function safely. This level of attention is vital to your successful recovery.
No matter your condition, we have someone who is specially trained to meet your needs. Our team has the expertise to evaluate impairment and disability so you receive rehabilitative care that is targeted to your specific needs.
Areas we specialize in include:
- Adult pelvic pain
- Amputation recovery
- Brain injuries
- Electrodiagnostic testing
- Pediatrics (we have two of only 200 pediatric post-acute care physicians in the U.S.)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Women's health
Integrated post-acute care
Post-acute care begins at the hospital and continues until you reach a safe level of independence at home. After you receive treatment at the hospital, you’ll continue to recover through rehabilitation to minimize any possible disabilities. There are many different rehabilitation options because each patient's needs vary by condition.
Our main goal is to match your needs with the most appropriate type of rehabilitation setting. Possible settings include:
- A long-term acute care hospital
- An inpatient rehabilitation facility
- A skilled nursing facility
- Home health care
- Outpatient therapy
Our team works with you and your treatment team in the hospital, your primary care provider and a social worker to identify the best setting for you. We consider many things to make sure your recovery plan is suitable to your needs.
Questions we ask include:
- What is your medical status?
- How are you functioning?
- Is there someone at home who can help you recover?
- What will your insurance cover?
- Is your home near the rehabilitation services you need or do you live in a rural area?
- Where would you like to go after you're discharged from the hospital?
Once an appropriate setting is agreed upon, our doctors will continue to work with your rehabilitation team to coordinate your care. This integrated approach ensures we do all we can to help you through your hospital stay and back to independence at home.
