San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital is not a traditional hospital—we are a specialty hospital focused on medical rehabilitation.
We provide specialized care to individuals who are recovering from serious medical conditions, injuries, and illnesses. Below you can read answers to some of the questions we are asked most often and learn a little more about the services we offer.
What is medical rehabilitation?
Medical rehabilitation is a type of treatment program in which patients work with a team of rehab experts to overcome the impairments and challenges caused by their condition. For instance, if a patient suffered a stroke and experienced difficulty moving the right side of their body as a result, their rehabilitation program may focus on improving mobility and learning new ways to perform self-care activities so they could be as independent as possible.
Every rehabilitation program is different and should be unique to the patient being treated. At San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, we take the time to get to know our patients and understand how their condition has affected them. After a thorough evaluation, our team will develop a personalized treatment program that focuses on each patient’s personal needs and recovery goals.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat individuals with a variety of conditions and this list is not all-inclusive. We work with both patients recovering from sudden and unexpected injury or illness, as well as those suffering from chronic, debilitating conditions. Brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome are just some of the many neurological conditions treated by our team of rehab experts. We also frequently work with individuals recovering from a variety of cardiac and orthopedic conditions or surgeries, as well as individuals recovering from amputation.
How is a rehabilitation hospital different from a skilled nursing/rehab facility (SNF)?
Daily physician oversight and intervention is the distinguishing factor of any acute care hospital versus a skilled nursing/rehab facility (SNF). As a hospital, we offer 24-hour rehabilitation nursing care and daily physician management.
When compared to SNFs, rehabilitation hospitals usually provide more intensive therapy services. Rehabilitation hospital patients can typically expect to participate in three hours of therapy services per day, at least five days per week.
At our hospital, each patient works with a team of professionals from multiple medical and rehabilitation disciplines, called an interdisciplinary team. The team is led by a physician specialist who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as a physiatrist. This interdisciplinary team meets weekly to discuss each patient and welcomes their family members to participate as well. These meetings are a unique requirement for rehabilitation hospitals.
Both rehabilitation hospitals and SNFs provide valuable medical services. Each has its own unique requirements and specialties. For this reason, some patients may be more appropriate for one level of care over the other.
What is the difference between physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy?
Physical therapy
Physical therapy focuses on helping people deal with medical issues through a series of exercises and therapeutic techniques. The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals regain function and advance to a point in recovery where they are less likely to suffer a recurring incident. Physical therapists often work with their patients on relieving pain, improving movement and mobility, building strength and confidence, and developing strategies for preventing further issues.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists focus on helping patients live their day-to-day lives as independently as possible and without discomfort. They empower their patients to reach very specific goals, such as overcoming a physical limitation that is preventing the return to work. When a complete recovery is impossible, they teach patients to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t. They often can help their patients find new ways of doing things or new activities that improve their quality of life.
Speech therapy
Conditions like brain injury and stroke can hinder a person’s ability to communicate. Speech-language pathologists are trained to find the root cause of a patient’s difficulty and help them learn how to communicate without difficulty. Speech-language pathologists are also skilled in treating many other conditions, including swallowing disorders and cognitive issues.
Can I request a tour?
Yes, we welcome you to contact us for a tour of San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital any time! We know that choosing a healthcare provider can be a difficult choice, and we want to ensure you have all of the information you need about us. Touring is a great way to learn more about what we have to offer and meet members of our team.
How can I or my family member be referred for treatment?
We routinely receive referrals from traditional and other specialty hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare companies, and physician offices. If you or your family member is not currently in the care of one of these providers, please contact us and we’d be happy to discuss your needs further.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with Medicare and a variety of other insurance providers. Please contact our admissions department at 559.436.3636 to determine if we are in-network with your insurance plan.
Most insurance plans require authorization for our services. This process can take anywhere between one and five days to complete. We strive to provide clear communication throughout this process. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the referral process, please reach out to us at 559.436.3636.
Do you work with patients who have special dietary needs?
We know that nutrition is a key component in recovery and essential to the healing process. We work with each patient to address their dietary needs, restrictions, and preferences. Our dieticians work closely with our food services team members to ensure any special dietary needs are met. Our team can help patients manage a number of special nutrition needs, including diabetic and renal diets.
What are your visiting hours?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious and ever-changing situation. Patient safety is our highest priority and we have implemented the known, necessary preventive measures. Please note that for our patients’ safety, we have modified our visiting hours and procedures. Please contact us to confirm our current visitor practices.
Where do patients go after being discharged?
Based on the medical needs of the patient, their capabilities, and their at-home support systems, a patient may be discharged to their home, to their home with home healthcare services, or to a skilled nursing facility. We strongly encourage family involvement in the discharge process. For patients returning home, our team can provide family members with guidance on how to make the home environment safe and accessible. We empower caregivers to learn as much as possible about their loved one’s condition so that they can help them reach their best possible outcome!
