The Transitional Care Unit is a Medicare program designed to serve those persons who are in a transition phase of illness or recovery and no longer require acute inpatient services, but whose needs may not be met in a home setting.

• The Transitional Care Unit provides an alternative to sending patients to a long-term care facility, such as an inpatient rehabilitation center.
• Patients receive nursing care with an emphasis on rehabilitation potential and the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
• To meet the Medicare criteria for Transitional Care services the patient must have been an inpatient at any acute-care hospital for three (3) days within the previous thirty days. For example, you could have been hospitalized in Alachua County and would still meet criteria.
• Our local physicians/clinicians will be happy to work with your primary physician, regardless of the location, in order to provide you with the best care possible.
• Scope of services available in the Transitional Care Unit include: skilled nursing care, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, social services, mental health services, referral and discharge planning, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
• Medicare covers Transitional Care services for a specific length of stay. Some other insurance may cover these services, but prior authorization is necessary.

For more information on the Transitional Care Unit, please call (386) 496-2323 ext. 239 or 0 for the operator.

Types of Patients that are candidates for Transitional Care services are:

• Patients with recent joint replacements or hip pinning who need daily physical therapy.
• Stroke patients who do not qualify for admission to an inpatient rehabilitation center, but could improve their level of capability and function with continued daily therapy.
• Cardiac patients needing skilled activity programs following a heart attack or acute episode of congestive heart failure.
• Patients with long-term illnesses such as cancer or immune deficiency diseases. 

Skilled Services Include:

• IV antibiotics
• Tube feedings and nutritional stabilization. 
• Application of dressings that may involve prescriptions, medication and aseptic techniques.
• Instructions and care of wounds and ulcers.
• Terminal care for patients needing pain control or skilled supportive care.
• Patient education for insulin administration, testing blood sugars, and diet management.
• Instructions in ostomy or stoma care.