As a Critical Access Hospital, FCH can utilize a portion of its inpatient beds for patients who require skilled nursing care beyond their inpatient stay. Using hospital beds in this way is called “swing beds.” When patients are admitted to a swing bed, they are medically stable but need a service that can only be performed in a hospital setting with a health professional’s oversight daily.

The duration of a swing bed stay is based on medical necessity, goals of care, and rehabilitation potential. A swing bed patient is anticipated to be discharged home or to a lower level of care when they have achieved their anticipated rehabilitation potential, or their hospital-based treatment is complete. The length of a swing bed stay varies based on the patient’s individual goals of care.

Some insurance providers limit the days they cover for a patient receiving skilled nursing services. Before a swing bed admission, case management and billing will review insurance coverage and notify the patient of any potential financial responsibility they may have.