Become a Patient

Becoming a patient at Sheltering Arms Institute for inpatient rehabilitation is a multi-step process; however, it can be summarized in the following steps: 

1. Ask your healthcare provider to send a referral on your behalf to Sheltering Arms Institute.
2. A clinical referral liaison will be assigned to you and will determine if you meet the criteria for inpatient rehab required by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
3. If deemed appropriate, your liaison will work to obtain financial approval via your insurance company or our financial assistance program.
4. If approved, your admission date will be determined based upon your medical readiness.

To view more details about the inpatient admissions process at Sheltering Arms Institute, please click here.

As an inpatient rehabilitation facility, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires that each patient meet the following criteria:

• Have medical needs that require 24/7 care and physician oversight while participating in inpatient physical rehabilitation
• Need at least two of the three following therapy disciplines: physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy
• Able to actively participate in a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy throughout the course of each day

There are several reasons why someone may be denied inpatient rehabilitation. Here are some common reasons:

1. Insufficient Medical Necessity: If the individual’s condition is not deemed severe enough to require intensive, 24-hour care, they may not qualify for inpatient rehabilitation. Inpatient rehab is typically reserved for individuals who need a high level of medical supervision and therapy.
2. Unable to Participate in Intensive Therapy: Individuals must be able to actively participate in a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy throughout the course of each day. If an individual currently does not have the strength or stamina to actively participate in therapy, a less intensive setting may be recommended.
3. Insurance Coverage: Sometimes, insurance policies have strict criteria for inpatient rehab coverage, or your insurance plan may not be accepted by the provider. If the person’s condition doesn’t meet these criteria, they may be denied coverage for inpatient rehab based on the type of rehab needed or the duration of care.

If you or a loved one do not meet the criteria for inpatient rehabilitation, other options that may be available include long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), or outpatient services. Sheltering Arms Institute offers a continuum of outpatient services, including intensive programs, that may be helpful in your recovery. To speak with a representative and learn if our outpatient therapy services may be right for you, call (804) 764-1000 or submit our online contact form.

Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. An admissions coordinator will work with each patient to confirm specific insurance coverage. For a list of accepted insurances, please click here. 

Additionally, Sheltering Arms Institute offers financial assistance to those who qualify.

To make an appointment, call (804) 764-1000 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to speak with a representative, or submit our online referral form. More details about how to become a patient for outpatient therapy can be found by clicking here.

Wait times vary by condition treated, service offered, and location; however, patients are typically able to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians within 5-10 business days.

To speak with a member of our admissions team, call (804) 877-4000, then press 1 for inpatient inquiries or press 2 for outpatient inquiries. Alternatively, you may also complete our online contact form.