What is the Skilled Care?

Skilled Care at Story County Medical Center is care given on an inpatient, 24-hour basis designed to help a patient recover from illness, injury or surgery; function more independently; and/or learn to care for his/her own health needs. Patients who have undergone surgery may be reassigned from Surgical Acute Care to Skilled Care for extended rehabilitation.

The Swing Bed Program at Story County Medical Center allows patients to remain in the same hospital room throughout their stay regardless of the level of care provided (i.e., skilled care, intermediate care, acute care).

What Services Are Provided While You Are In Skilled Care?

Physician Evaluation: Your physician will evaluate your progress and visit you when he/she deems necessary (at least weekly) based on your condition.

Nursing: Your status as a Swing Bed patient will not affect any nursing care you may need. You may still feel free to call your nurse when you need them. Likewise, the nursing staff will still be checking you routinely to see that your nursing care needs are met. Some changes you may notice include:

• Linen changes will occur two times per week or as needed.

• Complete bed baths will occur two times per week or as needed.

• Your blood pressure, temperature and pulse will be taken once a day unless ordered more frequently by your physician.

Dietary: A dietary assessment by the Medical Center’s dietitian is required on all Swing Bed patients. Dietary changes can be made upon request of the patient and/or physician.

Rehabilitation Services: You will receive services and/or treatments from the following departments as deemed appropriate by your attending physician: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy.

You may ask your therapist about your care plan at any time during your hospital stay.

Social Services: A social/emotional assessment is available for all Swing Bed patients. The Social Worker will contact patients and/or their families to assist with discharge plans (i.e., Home Health Care, Nursing Home placement, etc.) and to assist with financial concerns and/or other social concerns.

Dental Services: Story County Medical Center has contracted with one of our local dentists for needed dental services.

Care Plans: The Multi-Disciplinary Care Plan Team will meet with you and/or your family on a regular basis during your stay to coordinate your plan of care and discharge planning efforts.

Who Pays For This?

Most insurance companies cover Skilled Nursing Care. You will have to check your own policy to determine this for sure. If you need assistance determining your Skilled Care benefits, please call our Social Services Department at (515) 382-7014.

Medicare will pay for Skilled Care provided the patient’s condition, care and documented progress continue to meet the Skilled Care guidelines. Medicare will pay for everything for up to 20 days except for any charges that Medicare does not recognize. If you require Skilled Care beyond 20 days, you or your supplemental insurance company will then be responsible for a portion of any remaining “recognized” charges. No Medicare benefits are available after 100 days of care within a “benefit period”. (Some supplemental insurance coverage benefits offer an additional 30 days of Skilled Care.) For Medicare/Medicaid contact information, click here.

Patient Bill of Rights

As a Skilled Care patient, you are protected by a Patient Bill of Rights. A copy of this will be presented and explained to you as soon as possible upon your admission to SCMC.

We, the staff of Story County Medical Center, hope that you and your family will benefit from the convenience associated with obtaining Skilled Care at SCMC. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about your care.

Ellen Smitherman, Director of Nursing (515) 382-7003

Lisa Whitaker, Director of Acute & Emergency Services (515) 382-7090

Linda McHose, Social Worker (515) 382-7014