Swing Bed Services

The Ballinger Memorial Hospital provides a Swing Bed program for patients in need of physical rehabilitation or skilled nursing care. This is an alternative to prolonged acute hospitalization or short-term nursing facility placement. This may include IV therapy as well as physical and speech therapy. Our Swing Bed services are offered in an institutional setting to help you regain your independence to care for yourself at home. We are focused on your recovery.

Swing Bed is a term Medicare uses to describe a hospital room that can switch from acute care status to skilled nursing status. The level of care that the patient in the room receives changes.

Many diagnoses cover a Swing Bed stay including the following:
Orthopedic Surgeries (hip/knee replacement)
Fractures
Post-Surgical Procedures
Neurological Disorders (Stroke)
Generalized Weakness due to CHF, COPD, Pneumonia and other * Chronic Conditions

Qualifications for Swing Bed Services include:
Medicare A Coverage or a Commercial Insurance in which the plan covers Swing Bed Services
3 overnights in an acute bed prior to Swing Bed Services
An ongoing condition that requires skilled care and rehabilitative services

The length of stay is dependent upon individual patient needs and progress. The average length of stay is 3-5 days, but Medicare will cover up to 20 days if necessary. Swing Bed is for continued care until the patient is able to return home or transfers to a facility for long term care.

Patients are discharged from Swing Bed Services when:
They have achieved the maximum benefit of skilled nursing or rehabilitation, as determined by the physician
The care being provided has become custodial in nature
The patient's continuing care requires long term rehabilitation placement
There is a change in the patient's needs or level of care

Ballinger Memorial Hospital District is pleased to offer this service to our community, and we look forward to serving you and your family. If you have further questions or would like more information on our Swing Bed Program, you may contact our Swing Bed Coordinator, Melanie Sharpes at 325-365-2531.