Amputees Rehabbing in Skilled Nursing and Out-Patient Facilities

A gradual shift in Medicare policy has greatly affected amputees and rehab facilities in the St. Louis region. Until recently, most amputees qualified for rehab with their new prosthesis in an acute care setting.

Within a hospital, they benefited from the care of experienced therapists and the camaraderie of other amputees. In the past several months, however, it has become increasingly difficult for new amputees to qualify with Medicare for such extensive rehab care.

While some remain in an acute setting, most amputees are now doing their therapy in skilled nursing and out-patient therapy facilities. This means that instead of being concentrated at a few specialized locations, St. Louis amputees are spread throught the region.

Area rehab organizations are working to get their best therapists into the settings where amputees now find themselves. Prosthetic companies like P&O Care are scrambling to educate more therapists in more facilities. Mroe than ever, amputees and their rehab team need to make sure they get the best care available.