Answers to Your Questions
If you or your loved one has been referred to a Kindred hospital, you may have
questions. Here are some answers.
Why can't I stay at the short-term hospital?
Short-term hospitals excel at helping patients with acute conditions who can recover in a
relatively short time – the average stay in a short-term hospital is about five
days.
But some patients have more serious illnesses or even several illnesses at the same
time. They require long-term care from an interdisciplinary team with a special
expertise in caring for seriously ill, medically complex patients. That
long-term team approach is what takes place at a Kindred hospital.
What’s the difference between a Kindred hospital and a nursing center or rehabilitation hospital?
Patients at a Kindred hospital require a higher level of care than those in a skilled
nursing center or other care facility. Our patients have 24-hour access to
physicians and are seen at least once per day by the attending physician.
Kindred provides around-the-clock nursing care and respiratory therapy.
What kinds of patients are appropriate for Kindred Hospital?
Kindred Hospital is generally the most suitable setting for patients with diagnoses of:
- pulmonary disease
- cardiac disease
- severe wounds
- kidney disease
Kindred manages more ventilators and employs more respiratory therapists than any other
healthcare provider in America.
How does the admission process work?
A Kindred hospital clinical liaison will meet with the patient’s care coordinator
and review the patient chart to obtain a complete understanding of the hospital
treatment, as well as past medical history. Once a patient is approved, a
mutually agreed upon admission date and time will be established.
With more than a decade of experience, we recognize the importance of understanding
and preparing for individual needs prior to patient arrival. The result is a
less stressful transition process for both patients and families.
Will my insurance cover treatment at Kindred Hospital?
Part of the admission process outlined above includes verification of insurance. We
accept most forms of insurance.
Our clinical liaison or a representative from our business office will answer any
financial or insurance questions.
Will the patient have the same physician at Kindred Hospital?
All physicians are encouraged to follow their patients to Kindred Hospital. Should
the current physician(s) decline, we will provide them with updates as to the
patient’s medical status.
Our physicians are available 24 hours a day and are board certified in a variety of
fields, including internal medicine, critical care and pulmonary care.
Does Kindred provide rehabilitation services? When does treatment begin?
Rehabilitation services in our hospitals are provided by Kindred’s rehabilitation services
division, Peoplefirst. We believe that
early rehabilitation is essential for recovering strength and function. Our
rehabilitation team includes:
- physical therapists
- occupational therapists
- speech-language pathologists
Assessment begins immediately, and service may be provided five days per week. The
duration of daily therapy sessions depends upon the patient’s tolerance level.
Where are Kindred Hospital’s patients discharged?
Kindred patients are discharged to the next lower level of care. Many discharge options
are available through Kindred, including:
- home
- acute and subacute rehab
- nursing centers
- assisted living residences