Frequently Asked Questions

Medical rehabilitation is the process of restoring physical and cognitive function to patients who have suffered from an injury, illness or other medical condition.

Acute rehabilitation is a medically-based, multi-disciplinary team approach to the treatment of stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, amputation, neurologic diseases, orthopedic trauma and other injuries or illnesses.

As an acute rehabilitation hospital, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation draws on the expertise and experience of a team of doctors; nurses; physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists; psychologists and neuropsychologists; dietitians; case managers and other clinical and support staff to best meet your needs.

Our comprehensive care programs are designed to restore strength, improve physical and cognitive function and promote independence in daily activities, including self-care skills such as dressing, grooming and eating.

Studies¹ have shown that where an individual chooses to go for rehabilitation can make a difference is his or her recovery. An acute rehabilitation hospital, like Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, offers patients a more specialized, intensive program than those available at skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes. As a result, patients generally achieve better outcomes and enjoy greater independence upon discharge from an acute rehabilitation hospital.

Patients engage in a minimum of three hours of physical, occupational and/or speech therapies per day, five days a week, with weekend sessions as needed. Depending on a patient’s tolerance and ability to participate, 15 hours of therapy may be provided over a seven-day period. Therapies are tailored to your individual needs and rehabilitation goals and incorporate advanced treatment, technology and research. Your progress will be carefully monitored and the plan of care will be adapted accordingly.

Evidence^2,3 shows the sooner individuals begin rehabilitation, the stronger their outcomes are likely to be. For that reason, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation clinical liaisons and admissions representatives work closely with the referring hospital, physician and/or case manager to facilitate transfer to our hospital.

Length of stay is determined by your individual medical and rehabilitation needs, goals and progress. It’s important to keep in mind that rehabilitation takes time and you will progress at your own speed. Your case manager at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation will work closely with you, your family and/or caregiver and treatment team to coordinate a safe, timely and successful discharge. Our goal, like that of every patient, is to have you return home as soon as you are deemed ready.

To build on the gains made as an inpatient, many individuals will continue their rehabilitation as an outpatient at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation’s outpatient center.

From breakfast until the lights are turned off at night, patients are busy working toward rehabilitation goals. You will participate in therapy, typically divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The skills and strategies you gain during therapy are reinforced by your nursing team and by your participation in the recreational and leisure activities offered during the day and early evening. You’ll also find time to pursue personal interests.

Rehabilitation is an active process. It can be physically and mentally demanding, which is why your schedule includes time for rest and relaxation, and visits with family and friends.

• Long phone charger
• Durable phone case
• Phone lanyard
• Eyeglasses lanyard
• Phone cord holder to attach to bed/bedside table/tray table
• Pictures of any equipment at home (RW, cane, wheelchair, etc.)
• Zip up jacket
• At least six changes of loose, comfortable clothing
• Adequate supply of socks, undergarments and pajamas
• Athletic shoes or sturdy shoes with nonskid soles
• Personal items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, eyeglasses, shampoo, razor, shaving cream, etc.
• We recommend that you DO NOT bring valuables such as jewelry, cash and other non-essential items

Research⁴ indicates that strong interdisciplinary teams are associated with greater functional outcomes. In other words, by drawing on the expertise and experience of a wide range of specialists, patients generally experience greater improvement.

At Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, a physiatrist, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, leads a team that includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists; psychologists, case managers and other clinical professionals and support personnel.

You will be visited by an assigned Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation physician on a daily basis and as frequently as dictated by your medical needs. Personal physicians may visit as often as they like, but they are not able to provide treatment or write any medical orders while you are at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation unless they have been credentialed by Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation.

You have the right to seek a second opinion. If you seek a second opinion from an outside physician, it is your responsibility to make these arrangements. We will assist you with any questions you may have.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with special accreditation in stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation and general rehabilitation.

Our rehabilitation nursing staff is here to provide your care and ensure your comfort 24 hours a day. If you require family support in the evening or overnight, please speak to a nursing supervisor to discuss these arrangements.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation hospitals provide private and semi-private rooms which are assigned to patients based on diagnosis, medical necessity and availability. Patients with special needs who require a private setting will take precedence when room assignments are made. There are no additional charges for a private room.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation hospitals provide private and semi-private bathrooms which are assigned to patients based on diagnosis, medical necessity and availability.

At Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas, all patient rooms are private. However, some of the bathrooms are shared with one other patient.

Private bathrooms are prioritized for immunocompromised patients and others who have certain diagnoses.

If you are in a patient room with a shared bathroom, you can request to be put on the private bathroom waitlist by visiting the nurse’s station or speaking with your case manager. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.

The mode of transportation used is based on your condition and level of mobility. If you are able to be transferred by car, your family will be asked to provide transportation.  If not, we will arrange for a specially-equipped van used to transport individuals in nonemergency circumstances. Please note: there may be an out-of-pocket expense associated with transportation for medical appointments and tests.

Whenever possible, we do our best to return you to the same room. Your personal belongings will be safeguarded in the security department until you return to our hospital or a family member is able to retrieve them.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation is a partnership between Baylor Scott & White Health and Select Medical. Our managing partner is Select Medical and all insurance claims and billing is operated under the Select Medical name.

Inpatient is a term that refers to a patient who is admitted to a hospital for at least one overnight stay while receiving medical care. Outpatient refers to a patient who goes to a medical clinic, therapy session or doctor’s appointment, but they are not hospitalized and do not stay overnight.

Our inpatient rehabilitation facilities are all staffed by board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. Nursing and therapy staff members are also licensed and certified in specialties specific to medical rehabilitation. We provide a more intensive therapy schedule that’s overseen on a daily basis by your physician. Nursing home facilities do not provide the same level of experience and intensive therapy that Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation does.

Discharge is scheduled for 10 a.m. Please discuss this with your family prior to the scheduled discharge date. If an alternate time is required, please notify the nursing supervisor and your case manager. Discharges later in the day do not incur additional charges.

Discharge planning starts at the time of admission. Your Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation team will make recommendations for discharge based on your medical needs, individual goals and level of functional ability. Your case manager will guide you and your family and help coordinate your post-discharge needs to ensure a safe transition home or to the next level of care.

Your case manager will assist you with arranging transportation home if you need this service. There may be a charge for transportation depending on your insurance.