A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a healthcare institution that provides round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation services for patients recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. These facilities are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and registered nurses. SNFs serve as a transitional setting for patients discharged from hospitals but who still require medical supervision and rehabilitative therapy before returning home.
For physical therapy professionals and practice owners, understanding what a skilled nursing facility is and how to optimize therapy services in these settings is crucial to improving patient outcomes, streamlining workflows, and maintaining compliance with evolving payment models such as Medicare’s Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
Patients in SNFs often experience mobility limitations due to age, surgery, or chronic conditions. This makes physical therapy a core component of care within these facilities. Physical therapy in SNFs aims to:
A team at a skilled nursing facility typically includes:
Physical therapy in SNFs can be divided into short-term rehabilitation and long-term maintenance therapy:
Short-term rehabilitation focuses on helping patients recover from surgeries, injuries, or acute illnesses. Strength training is often a primary component, aimed at regaining lost muscle mass and improving overall mobility.
Patients may also undergo gait training and balance exercises to prevent falls and enhance stability, which is particularly important after orthopedic surgeries or extended bed rest. Pain management techniques, including manual therapy and targeted exercises, are used to relieve discomfort from joint replacements, fractures, or strokes.
Additionally, neurological rehabilitation is a critical aspect of short-term therapy, helping individuals recover movement and coordination after experiencing a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurodegenerative conditions.
Long-term maintenance therapy is designed for patients with chronic conditions that impact mobility and overall physical function. Individuals with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease benefit from structured therapy programs that aim to slow the progression of disabling symptoms and maintain as much independence as possible. Postural training and wheelchair mobility exercises are commonly incorporated to ensure patients can move safely and comfortably within their environment.
Fall prevention strategies are also a key focus, as impaired mobility significantly increases the risk of falls. Therapists work closely with patients to enhance their balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Additionally, physical therapists collaborate with caregivers and family members, providing education and guidance on ongoing mobility support and home modifications to ensure a safe transition and sustained independence post-discharge.
Skilled nursing facilities primarily receive payments from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. Understanding reimbursement structures is vital for physical therapists working in SNFs.
Medicare’s Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) has changed how therapy services are reimbursed in SNFs. Instead of focusing on the volume of therapy services provided, PDPM prioritizes individual patient needs. Key considerations for therapists include:
Use Comprehensive Documentation Software
Ensure accurate, real-time patient records and maintain PDPM compliance to support proper reimbursement with an appropriate management software.
Improve Interdisciplinary Communication
Work closely with nurses, social workers, and medical staff, attending care planning meetings to improve patient transitions.
Optimize Therapy Scheduling
Automate scheduling and patient tracking to minimize session overlaps and maximize efficiency.
Educate Families & Caregivers
Guide families on mobility exercises and home safety to support long-term recovery and prevent hospital readmissions.
PtEverywhere’s physical therapy software can streamline your work in skilled nursing facilities by providing:
Seamless Documentation & Compliance - PtEverywhere simplifies Medicare PDPM documentation, reducing paperwork with efficient EMRs to streamline compliance and reimbursement.
Efficient Scheduling & Workflow Management - Automated scheduling minimizes administrative work, ensuring organized therapy sessions and optimal time management.
Enhanced Communication & Team Collaboration - Real-time updates improve coordination between therapists, physicians, and SNF staff, enhancing patient care and discharge planning.
Comprehensive Patient Tracking - Tracks progress notes, therapy goals, and outcomes, enabling therapists to adjust treatments based on real-time patient data.
With PtEverywhere, therapists in SNFs can focus on patient care instead of administrative burdens.
Understanding what skilled nursing facilities are, how physical therapy fits into SNFs, and how PDPM affects therapy services is essential for optimizing patient care and reimbursement. Physical therapists play a critical role in rehabilitation and mobility enhancement, making their presence in SNFs invaluable.
As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed and using the right tools will be key to thriving in the SNF setting.