If a patient requires hospitalization beyond the acute stages of an injury, surgery or illness. The transitions to a swing bed program at Magee General Hospital offers interim stays as patients prepare for the transition back to their home setting. 

Our Goal

The transitions to a swing-bed program is intended to return the patient to a permanent living situation as soon as possible. Although the patient in the swing bed program is in the hospital room, the emphasis is on moving the patient tohome or another living situation. The medical staff expects the patient to be cooperative, to take instructions and to participate in consistent rehabilitation and physical therapy activities essential to their recovery. The patient’s family should feel comfortable encouraging patient participation and learning important strategies for post-discharge care.  

Family participation is also encouraged, so patients will feel comfortable caring for their loved one once they return home.  

Swing Bed Coverage

While Medicare does pay for swing bed services, there are specific medical qualifications that must be met for admission to the program. Following a hospital stay of at least three days, an individual must require either skilled nursing or skilled therapy services. Advantage plans do not require three midnights. 

Swing Bed is covered under the Medicare skilled nursing facility benefit. The number of covered days is determined by Medicare criteria. Medicare supplements will usually pay the deductible as long as Medicare continues coverage. Other medical insurance may cover transitions to a Swing Bed Program service, or a patient may pay with private funds. Financial Staff is available to discuss coverage with you. 

Qualifying Medical Criteria:

Daily physical, speech and/or occupational therapy
Intravenous (IV) or nutritional therapy
Specialized care for complex wounds that are not healing well
Pain management

Swing Bed Services

While in a swing bed, a number of services are available to the patient to assist in his/her recovery: 

Physical Therapy 
Occupational Therapy 
Speech Therapy 
Skilled Nursing Care 
Discharge Planning 
Pharmacy 
Dietary 
Activities