The swing bed program is a Medicare-funded program that provides short-term, skilled care in a hospital setting. Our goal is to help you return home independently or with the help of community resources.
Qualifying for Swing Bed Services
In order to be considered for the swing bed program, you must be hospitalized in an acute level of care for three or more consecutive midnights. A patient who meets these criteria and requires skilled care must be transferred from an acute care hospital. Your provider will help determine whether or not skilled care is needed and make a referral to Sleepy Eye Medical Center’s swing bed program if it is.
Examples of skilled care that qualify for swing bed payment under the Medicare program include:
- IV therapy
- Wound care
- Rehabilitative therapy (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy)
Available Patient Services
The following services are available, as needed, for all swing bed patients:
- Diagnostic services (x-ray, laboratory, etc.)
- Pharmaceutical services
- Dietary services for regular and special diets, as ordered
- Patient activities
- SEMC physician services (Your attending physician will visit you a minimum of once a week or more often, depending on your condition.)
- Social services (A discharge planner is available to assist you and your family during your stay and in planning for post-discharge care: Home Care Agency, adult day services, Meals on Wheels and medication management.)
Medicare Coverage
Medicare coverage is based on your current need, and ongoing need, for skilled care. Medicare will reimburse 100% of the covered charges for the first 20 days after your annual deductible is met. You will be discharged if your rehabilitation goals are achieved and you no longer need skilled care.
Days 21-100 are considered co-insurance days, which your supplemental insurance is responsible for 20% and Medicare covers 80%. Please check your supplemental policy for specific co-insurance coverage information.
Minnesota Law limits a swing bed stay to 40 days if you have private or commercial insurance.