Patient & Family Handbook

www.selectmedicalcorp.com

Welcome to Select Specialty Hospital

We are pleased to welcome you and your family to Select Specialty Hospital. Our top priority is to ensure that you receive high-quality care in an environment in which you feel safe, well cared for and comfortable. This handbook is designed as a reader-friendly guide that will answer some of the questions you may have about Select Specialty Hospital. Throughout your stay, please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Members of our team are always available to answer questions about your care, treatment plan or hospital policies. We believe one of the reasons why Select Specialty Hospital has become a special resource within our community is due to our responsiveness to each patients individual needs. At Select Specialty, you will find a special environment that creates a strong bond between patients and caregivers. As a smaller hospital, we are able to provide highly personalized and resource-intensive care to our patients. Our team of dedicated professionals is committedto making your hospital stay a positive experience for both you and your family. Thank you for entrusting us with your care.

Photography by Rebecca Underkoffler www.rebeccaunderkoffler.com

Contents
INTRODUCTION TO SELECT SPECIALTY HOSPITAL ADMISSION PLANNING & PREPARATION OVERVIEW OF YOUR TREATMENT TEAM PATIENT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY & SECURITY FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS PATIENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES NON DISCRIMINATION POLICY BILLING, MEDICAL RECORDS & HEALTH INFORMATION LEAVING SELECT SPECIALTY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE 5 8 10 16 17 22 23 26 26 31 34

Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

Introduction to Select Specialty Hospital

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Ghandi AN OVERVIEW

Due to the complexity of their conditions, Select Specialty Hospital patients require a longer duration of acute care. Our patients no longer require the services of a short-term acute care hospital, but are not ready to be transferred to a less-intensive discharge setting, such as rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living or home. Select Specialty Hospital offers an optimal environment for these patients by providing a longer length of stay and a more resource-intensive level of care. Our hospital is fully staffed by physicians; nurses; respiratory therapists; Case Managers; physical, occupational and speech therapists; dieticians; and pharmacists. Our dedicated team works closely with referring physicians and Case Managers to ensure that patients receive a combined approach of intensive nursing care, focused respiratory services and individualized therapies. As a long-term acute care hospital, Select Specialty offers a variety of services for patient with critical and complex medical and surgical conditions including but not

limited to the following: Medically Complex Conditions Pulmonary Conditions inclusive of vent weaning Neurological Disorders Cardiac Conditions Wound Care Renal Disorders Infectious Diseases Bariatric Care Cancers Post-Trauma Care Surgical Complications

OUR MISSION

Select Specialty Hospital is committed to provide the high-quality medical care and innovative approaches to return each patient to the most productive and fulfilling life possible, based on the patients ability. Our greatest asset is our peopleone individual helping another all working together toward a common goal. We are committed to excellence in our staff, our facility and our values system. We are a team striving to be the best for the best: our patients.

The world is but a canvas to our imaginations.

Henry David Thoreau

Admission Planning & Preparation

COORDINATION WHAT NOT TO BRING

Admission to Select Specialty Hospital is carefully orchestrated through our Admissions Department to ensure that all patient needs will be met and to ensure a smooth transition.
CONFIDENTIALITY

a bathrobe and appropriate foot coverings. Due to the hazard of falling on slippery surfaces, patients are not allowed to be out of bed in their stocking feet. Personal Items Please limit what you bring to the hospital to clothing and personal care items. If there is an item that you feel will make your stay more comfortable, please discuss this need with the charge nurse. Insurance Information If you werent able to provide copies of your insurance cards at the time of your admission, please be sure to have your nurse bring your insurance cards to our Admission Coordinator for copying. These cards direct us on how to bill for our services on your behalf. Any changes or clarifications of insurance coverage should also be conveyed immediately. While the patient is ultimately responsible for his or her hospital bill, the correct and complete insurance information will ensure that your bill is submitted to your correct insurance carrier.

Drugs and Medication Please do not bring any drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements to the hospital. If your physician writes an order for you to bring in home medications, the nurse will discuss this with you. Valuable and Lost Items Patients are asked not to bring items of value to the hospital. We suggest that you keep no more than $5.00 in your room for small purchases. Select Specialty is not responsible for lost money or valuables brought into patient rooms. Please store your eye glasses and dentures in a safe place when not in use. The nurse will provide you with a special dentures box. Please do not wrap your eyeglasses or dentures in a tissue or leave them on your meal tray. The hospital cannot be responsible for lost eyeglasses or dentures. If you lose something, please notify your nurse or Case Manager for assistance. Found articles are maintained for 30 days.

During the admission process, we will ask you to identify one contact person. This person will be the individual contacted for discharge planning and if there is a change in condition or if the patient is unable to give consent for special procedures. In an effort to protect the privacy of our patients, we will only give out patient information to the designated contact person. Please help us by letting other family members and friends know who the contact person is.
WHAT TO BRING

Prohibited Personal Property and Activities We require that every possible precaution be taken to protect the health and welfare of all patients admitted to our hospital. Consequently, during your hospital stay, patients, family members and other visitors are not permitted to have any of the following items in their possession: Firearms & Ammunitions Knives or other weapons Drugs or alcohol Plug-in electrical devices (unless approved by hospital personnel)

Clothing Although we will provide patient gowns, you may bring a robe and slippers. You may be asked to bring in your own clothes when approaching discharge or working with the Therapy staff. When away from your bed, you are expected to wear

Overview of Your Treatment Team

MEDICAL STAFF

It is better to

The physician who admits you is responsible for directing your care while you are in the hospital. Your physician, as the coordinator of your treatment program, should be consulted if you have questions about your condition or illness. A full range of consulting physicians and allied professionals are available.
NURSING STAFF

the professional registered nurse evaluates your condition and the appropriateness of your care. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) The LPN works closely with the R.N. in caring for you. He or she will assist with examinations and procedures and administer medication. The LPN assists the R.N. in providing you and your family with any health-related instruction you may need. Nursing Assistant (NA) Nursing Assistants assist the R.N. in the provision of patient care activities. The assistant will help you remain as comfortable as possible during your stay at Select Specialty Hospital. He or she will assist in the care for your daily needs such as bathing, feeding, walking, dressing, changing your bed linens and will also perform other duties as directed by the R.N.

light one candle than to curse the darkness.

Chinese Proverb

Director of Clinical Services The Director of Clinical Services is a registered nurse who supervises the clinical care provided by the multi-disciplinary team. Charge Nurse A Charge Nurse is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each shift. Please feel free to contact the charge nurse if you have questions or concerns. Professional Registered Nurse (R.N.) You can also direct your questions to the R.N. who works closely with the attending physician to coordinate your care plan. While performing hands-on nursing services, such as assisting with procedures and administering medications,

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CLINICAL STAFF

Occupational Therapist An occupational therapist is a health care professional who provides rehabilitation services to patients with physical disabilities and/or related psychological impairments. Upon admission, the occupational therapist will screen the patient to determine if he/she could benefit from their services. If the patient does require these services, a doctors order will be received for evaluation and treatment. Pharmacist Our own pharmacists fill medication and intravenous therapy orders for patients at Select Specialty Hospital. A clinical pharmacist is available to answer questions and make sure medications are available. The pharmacist will offer needed information to patients or family members about medications to be taken at home upon discharge. Physical Therapist A physical therapist is a health care professional who provides rehabilitation services for a variety of physical conditions. Upon admission, the patient is screened by the physical therapist to determine if he/ she will benefit from physical

therapy services. If the patient does require these services, a doctors order will be received for evaluation and treatment. Respiratory Therapist The respiratory therapists are specialists who deal with breathing problems. They are specially trained to work with complicated medical equipment such as ventilators. Our therapists are here 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to insure that any breathing problems are taken care of as quickly as possible. Speech-Language Pathologist A speech-language pathologist is a health care professional who offers rehabilitation services for patients who have communication and swallowing disorders. Upon admission, the speech-language pathologist will screen the patient to determine if the patient could benefit from their services. If the patient does require these services, a doctors order will be received for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
OTHER STAFF

Discharge planning in fact begins on the day of admission. The Case Manager can also give you a weekly update following the team meeting conducted for you or on behalf of your loved one. The Case Manager acts as the liaison between the patient, his or her family and the treatment team, the insurance company and other nonclinical involved parties. Dietitian A Registered Dietitian (RD) monitors your nutritional needs. The RD monitors things like your weight, what you eat, and identifies special dietary needs such as snacks, tube feedings, feedings through your veins, etc. The RD is available to provide instructions to you and your family related to your dietary needs. If you have questions, please ask your nurse to contact the Dietitian. Infectious Disease An Infection Control Specialist monitors laboratory results related to infections and works with the health care team to ensure you receive appropriate care. If you have specific questions about infections, you may request to speak to this individual.

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM CONFERENCES

Interdisciplinary team conferences are typically held on a weekly basis. At each conference, disciplines present an assessment of the patient, evaluate clinical progress to date, discuss discharge barriers and determine the subsequent goals that need to be attained in order for discharge to occur. The patient and family members do not attend these conferences. The Case Manager will update you on key points including discharge planning options that were discussed during the team meeting. Individual meetings with the Case Manager and the treatment team can be arranged upon request.
FAMILY & SIGNIFICANT OTHER INVOLVEMENT

Case Manager The Case Manager is your primary contact for discussing your discharge planning from the hospital.

The family/significant other component at Select Specialty Hospital is designed to enhance patient and family involvement in the treatment and recuperation process. It is the belief of Select Specialty Hospital that a direct correlation exists between patient/family/significant other involvement and the level of patient improvement.
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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle

Patient Accommodations
YOUR BED & ROOM MAIL & FLORAL DELIVERIES TELEPHONES

Bed or room assignments at Select Specialty Hospital are based upon your diagnosis and bed availability. Since hospital beds are electrically operated, your nurse will instruct you on how to work the control. Should you need assistance, please ask your nurse. Remember, your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Bedside rails are for your support. They may be raised at night or during the day for use in turning and positioning as you rest and recover.

effort to provide nutritious meals that are prepared according to your doctors orders. On a daily basis, Food and Nutrition Services will provide you with a menu that matches your doctors treatment plan and the diet he or she has specified that you follow. Occasionally, your meals may be delayed if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment. Whenever possible, you will be served after your test or examination.
INTERPRETER SERVICES

Mail will be delivered to your hospital room by a hospital employee. If you wish to mail letters, you may bring them or have someone bring them to the Nursing Station. Flowers will be delivered to your room by a hospital employee.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS (SPIRITUAL/CULTURAL NEEDS)

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This service is provided by the hospital at no charge to CALLING YOUR NURSE the patient. Interpreters are A button to call your nurse available for translation of sign is located at your bedside. language and several foreign When you press the button, languages. Additionally, Select the nursing station is alerted that you need assistance and a Specialty Hospital has access light flashes above the door. A to AT&Ts Language Line, which is available 24 hours staff member will respond to your signal as soon as possible. a day and can interpret more than 100 languages and In addition, every bathroom is equipped with an emergency dialects. Your nurse can obtain cord should you need assistance this service when needed. For those who are deaf, hearingfrom your nurse. impaired or speech-impaired, FOOD SERVICES TDD units are available. To Wholesome, nourishing and receive a unit, ask your nurse well-balanced meals are an or have a family member call important part of your your Case Manager. treatment and recovery. Select Specialty Hospital makes every

Any patient (or family member) who desires to talk with a religious advisor should notify his or her nurse. Efforts will be made to contact the patients personal clergy. If no one is available, arrangements can be made with one of the local houses of worship. Other spiritual or cultural needs may be communicated to your Case Manager to help meet your specific concerns or needs.

Telephones are provided in each patient room. Longdistance calls must be billed to your personal calling card or your home phone, or placed collect. If you are using the telephone or watching television, please be courteous of others in your immediate area, in terms of audio volume and time of day or night. The use of cellular phones is prohibited in many areas of the hospital. To ensure patient safety, cell phones must be turned off they cannot be placed in the standby mode. Please abide by signs posted throughout the hospital.

For Your Safety & Security

COMMUNICATION

Effective communication with our patients and their families is important to all of us at Select Specialty Hospital. Should you need explanation or have a concern about your rights or responsibilities, we offer these guidelines. Please address the concern directly with the staff caring for you.

The parties directly involved are the most likely to have the best information and should be the starting point to resolve the situation. If resolution is not reached, please ask the staff to involve the charge nurse. Should these steps not resolve the issue, you are encouraged to contact the hospital CEO.

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For Your Safety & Security (continued)

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
Epictetus ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical appliances brought from home, such as radios and razors, are not permitted unless they are battery operated, since they may not meet the Hospitals electrical safety standards.
FALL PREVENTION

personnel, and elevators will return to the ground floor and cease to operate. Select Specialty staff are trained in fire protection and evacuation. Please follow the instructions of firefighters and hospital personnel.
SAFETY DEVICES

While you are in the hospital, your illness may increase your risk of falling. Some precautions that you can take to avoid falling include:

Our goal at Select Specialty Hospital is to help you recover quickly and safely. To achieve this goal, we may, in special situations, use Use your call bell to call restrictive safety devices that the nurse before getting out must be ordered by your of bed. physician. If you have any Wear slippers with non-skid questions about the use of soles. We will provide a pair any restrictive device, please if you need them. feel free to ask our staff or Keep objects like your your doctor. phone, call bell and personal items within reach. SECURITY
FIRE DRILLS

For your protection, Select Specialty Hospital conducts fire and disaster drills regularly. Please do not be disturbed if you see or hear evidence of a drill. During an emergency, some or all of the following may occur: a loud alarm signal will be sounded, fire and smoke barrier doors will close, the door to your room will be closed by hospital

Security is provided for the protection of our patients, as well as our employees and visitors 24 hours a day.
SMOKING

As Select Specialty Hospital is concerned about the health of its patients, visitors and employees, we are a non-smoking facility.

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Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For Family, Friends & Significant Others

We believe that visitation from family, friends and significant others helps our patients recover more fully and quickly by keeping them happy and content. Since we care for sick individuals, we do have certain policies and procedures in place to ensure that our hospital runs smoothly and that our patients receive care in a non-disruptive setting. We are appreciative of those who respect and abide by these policies, which support and enable the provision of high-quality patient care. All visitors adhere to the established visiting hours of our hospital Children (12 years of age and under) must be accompanied by an adult, and cannot be disruptive to other families and patients. Children cannot be left alone with the patient. Children should not visit who have had or have exposure to viral illnesses, especially chicken pox. Staff does have the authority to ask visitors to leave if they are disruptive to families, patients or the environment. Please do not visit if you are ill. Please wash your hands upon entering and leaving patient rooms. Please practice cough etiquette: cover your mouth and wash your hands. Family members and visitors of any patient in isolation must follow isolation procedures. If a patient is in isolation, there will be a sign on the door. You may not enter the patients room without first reviewing the necessary precautions and procedures with hospital staff.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

While we appreciate your assistance with patients when they need help; please ask the nursing staff for instructions before assisting a patient with an activity or exercise. Do not transfer the patient from his/her bed to a chair, wheelchair or bedside commode or vice versa without staff assistance. Always report water or spills on the floor to the nursing staff as soon as it occurs or is noticed. If you plan to assist a patient in walking, ask the staff to

teach you how to do this safely and how to properly use a gait belt. Never assist a patient with exercises unless you have been instructed by a professional. Do not remove restraints. If you have questions or there is a problem with the restraints, please notify the nursing staff immediately. Please follow posted signs on patient room doors. If you are unsure of the information, ask a Select Specialty Hospital staff member before entering the patients room.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Caregiver Identification You have the right to know the names of your doctors Respect and Privacy As a and nurses and other people patient you have the right to caring for you. personal respect and privacy Safe Care You have the and to be free from neglect or right to demand that any doctor or nurse or other abuse in your care. person wash his or her hands Informed Consent You have the right to ask questions before examining you. As a patient you will be free from and be involved in decisions mental and physical abuse about your care and to talk and free from restraints except with your family, friends or partner about such decisions. as authorized in writing by a physician for a specified and limited period of time. As a patient at Select Specialty Hospital you have the right to:
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Patient Rights and Responsibilities (continued)

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.
Albert Einstein

Participation You have the right to refuse any drug, treatment or procedure, unless such refusal is prohibited by law. And, you have the right to refuse to participate in any experiment or research project. Communication You have the right to demand a full explanation in a language you can understand of the care to be given, its risks and alternatives, if any, so that you can give an informed consent before receiving non-emergency procedures. And you have the right to access an individual or agency who is authorized to act on your behalf to assert or protect your rights as set forth in this document. Emergency Services You have the right to prompt emergency services when needed and written explanation of anything that goes wrong with your care. Confidentiality You have the right to confidentiality regarding your medical records and treatment. Financial Information You have the right to information and counseling on available financial resources to help pay for care.

Visitors You have the right to an explanation of the hospital rules and policies regarding visitors. Complaints You have the right to file a complaint with the hospital regarding any aspects of your care and to know the name and telephone number of the person to whom you can make a complaint. As a patient at Select Specialty Hospital you have the responsibility to: Disclosures You have the responsibility for providing, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications, and other matters relating to your health. Payment You have the responsibility for assuring that the financial obligations for your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible. Consideration You have the responsibility to be considerate of the rights of other patients and Hospital personnel.
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Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
Confucius

Non Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Select Specialty Hospital to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000d, and implementing regulations 45 C.F.R. Part 80; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. Section 794, and implementing regulations, 45 C.F.R. Part 84; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. Sections 6101 et seq., and implementing regulations 45 C.F.R. Part 91. Select Specialty Hospital adheres to an equal opportunity policy for all persons seeking admission and treatment as patients. The hospital does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or age. With regard to employment, the hospital does not discriminate on the basis of disability; in addition, there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin where such discrimination would have a discriminatory effect on beneficiaries.
To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first.
Shakespeare

Billing, Medical Records & Health Information

CHARGES

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Select Specialty Hospital will file hospital claims to your insurance company(s) provided you supply our Business Office with your insurance information. While we will bill your insurance directly; the patient is ultimately responsible for payment of his/her hospital bill. All physicians and specialists involved with your treatment will bill you or your insurance company directly. These bills will be separate from hospital billing. You will be responsible for paying charges not paid by your insurance company. Please note that Select Specialty is a hospital, not an

insurance carrier. While we can provide some degree of guidance, the ultimate responsibility for insurance coverage and payment of medical bills belongs to the patient.
HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES

A complete record of treatment is maintained by Health Information Management/Medical Records, per federal regulations. Questions about the patient medical record may be directed to the Health Information/ Medical Records Department. Patients have a right to a copy of their medical record. Please contact the Manager of Health Information to learn about the process and associated cost to obtain a copy of your medical record.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi

Leaving Select Specialty

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will.
Epictetus

When your doctor determines that you no longer need all of the specialized services provided in a hospital, he or she may discharge you. The Case Manager at Select Specialty Hospital will help arrange for the services you may need after your discharge. If you are a Medicare patient, we must follow the federal guidelines for admission and continued stay. If you have a non-government funded payment source, that

payer directs the hospital on the medical necessity of your care which determines what they will or will not pay for. Therefore, you should find out which services will or will not be covered and how payment will be made. Consult with your doctor, hospital Case Manager, patient representative and your family in making preparations for care after you leave the hospital. Dont hesitate to ask questions.

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Important Message from Medicare

YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOSPITAL PATIENT YOUR HOSPITAL DISCHARGE & MEDICARE APPEAL RIGHTS

You have the right to receive necessary hospital services covered by Medicare, or covered by your Medicare Health Plan (your Plan) if you are a Plan enrollee. You have the right to know about any decisions that the hospital, your doctor, your Plan or anyone else makes about your hospital stay and who will pay for it. Your doctor, your Plan or the hospital should arrange for services you will need after you leave the hospital. Medicare or your Plan may cover some care in your home (home health care) and other kinds of care, if ordered by your doctor or by your Plan. You have a right to know about these services, who will pay for them, and where you can get them. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or Plan, or talk to other hospital personnel.

Date of Discharge When your doctor or Plan determines that you can be discharged from the hospital, you will be advised of your planned date of discharge. You may appeal if you think that you are being asked to leave the hospital too soon. If you stay in the hospital after your planned date of discharge, it is likely that your charges for additional days in the hospital will not be covered by Medicare or your Plan.

Your Right to an Immediate Appeal without Financial Risk When you are advised of your planned date of discharge, if you think you are being asked to leave the hospital too soon, you have the right to appeal to your Quality Improvement Organization (also known as a QIO). The QIO is authorized by Medicare to provide a second opinion about your readiness to leave. You may call Medicare toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227), or TTY/TTD: 1-877-486-2048, for more information on asking your QIO for a second opinion. If you appeal to the QIO by noon of the day after you receive a noncoverage notice, you are not responsible for paying for the days you stay in the hospital during the QIO review, even if the QIO disagrees with you. The QIO will decide within one day after it receives the necessary information.

Other Appeal Rights: If you miss the deadline for filing an immediate appeal, you may still request a review by the QIO (or by your Plan, if you are a Plan enrollee) before you leave the hospital. However, you will have to pay for the costs of your additional days in the hospital if the QIO (or your Plan) denies your appeal. You may file for this review at the address or telephone number of the QIO (or of your Plan).

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Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.
Benjamin Franklin

YOUR NAME

YOUR ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

YOUR PRIMARY NURSE

YOUR ROOM NUMBER/YOUR PHONE NUMBER OTHER INFORMATION

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NOTES

NOTES

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NOTES

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