Inpatient Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the process of restoring skills and function after illness or injury. At our Rehabilitation Medicine facilities, the emphasis is on working in partnership with the patient to maximize independence and realize their potential.

• The Rehabilitation Medicine Physician, called a physiatrist, has specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM & R) and is responsible for medical issues and the overall rehabilitation program.
• The Rehabilitation Nurse is responsible for daily care, education, and coordination of treatment and training.
• The Physical Therapist works to improve the patient's strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and balance with activities such as moving in bed, using a wheelchair, and walking.
• The Occupational Therapist provides training in self-care, upper body/hand function, endurance, and independent living skills such as eating, bathing, dressing, using a computer and utilizing any special devices needed to return to school or work.
• The Speech Pathologist assists patients who have communication or language problems and/or a speech impairment. They may work with patients to improve memory, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• The Rehabilitation Counselor helps people through the process of returning to a job, school, or other career alternative.
• The Psychologist assists people and their families with understanding the changes that can accompany disability or illness. A specialized psychologist, the Neuropsychologist provides identification and assessment of cognitive issues.
• The Social Worker helps to coordinate a safe and comprehensive discharge plan. They will also help to connect you with resources in the community.
• The Recreation therapist works with patients and families to apply skills the patient is learning during recovery to the community-based setting as well as exploring leisure interests.
• The Care Manager works closely with the team to support transition of care as well as coordination of needs to support a successful discharge.

Yes: all Rehabilitation Physicians at the University of Washington hospitals and clinics are specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Visit UW Medicine to find a physician who specializes in your medical condition.

• If you are in an acute care hospital, skilled nursing, or long term care setting and are seeking admission to inpatient rehab, your care team can reach out to the patient care coordinators at HMC and UWMC to initiate a review based on medical criteria and availability of rehab beds 
• If you are at home,  you can find a provider to review your care needs and support appropriate referrals to the continuum of rehabilitation services based on your clinical and functional needs. 

We accept most commercial and government health insurance plans and will bill them directly. It is the patient's responsibility to contact their insurance plan representative to see if a referral is required. You will receive two bills for medical services: one from the facility where you were seen, and one from the University of Washington Physicians.

A day in one of our Inpatient Rehabilitation units will consist of 3 hours of therapy per day, 5 out of 7 days/wk. The duration of your therapies and disciplines involved will be developed in partnership with your care team members. You will meet with your care team at least weekly to assess your progress, and make any needed changes to your care plan. Additionally, you will be able to ask questions during rounds, which are regularly scheduled reviews of patients by their physiatrists.

Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Care Teams are preparing you for discharge as soon as you arrive. To this end, they work with you to make sure all your questions are answered and that you have learned the needed skills prior to your discharge. These skills are based on the care plan and goals you have developed with your care team, and differ from person to person.

CARF, Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities, is a national organization responsible for overseeing that accredited facilities meet the high standards that have been established for rehabilitation facilities. All of our Rehabilitation units are CARF accredited. 

For more information, please visit the CARF website.

As part of the discharge process, our inpatient rehabilitation care teams will review your ongoing daily needs. Your discharge plan will include information on securing appropriate accommodations, finding long-term support resources, and determining who (family members, friends, etc.) will be able to help you following your discharge. Rehab and recovery do not end when you leave our facilities; your team is dedicated to making your transition as smooth and safe as possible.