IRU vs SNF
Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) vs Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Patients have various options to meet their rehabilitation needs, however it is essential that they be educated on the differences in those options. For patients who are seeking rehabilitation services, there are typically two options to select: Inpatient Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing Facility. Below is a chart to detail the differences between these options to allow for the patient to determine what option meets their current medical and rehabilitation needs.
Services | Typical IRU | Typical SNF |
| Physician Visits | Daily | 1 to 3 times per week |
| Type of Physician | Physiatrist - 24 hour availability | Geriatrician, internist, family practitioner - limited availability |
| Consultants | All specialists readily available | Limited specialist availability |
| Radiology & Lab | On site | Limited - usually contracted service |
| Nursing Skill Mix | Professional registered nurses specializing and certified in Rehabilitation Nursing | Non-professional nursing assistants certified in long-term care with LPN and RN supervision |
| Function | Complex level of care Patient and Family education | Basic level of care Support |
| Integration of care | Coordinated interdisciplinary team directed by rehabilitation physician | Several individual disciplines |
| Typical Length of Stay | ~12 Days, depending on diagnosis | 24-60 Days |
| Therapy Intensity | 3-5 hours daily | 1-2 hours daily |
| Team Meetings | Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings lead by physician and includes family | Several individual disciplines |
| Neuropsychologists | Full time | Limited |
| Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy | Registered Physical & Occupational Therapists | PT Assistants and Aides COTA deliver much of the care |
| Speech Language Therapist, Social Worker | Full time | Limited |
| Quality Improvement | QA/UR, Program Evaluation Programs | None |
To make a referral please fax to 502.212.8608 or contact a clinical liaison at 906.449.3806. If you do not receive a return call within 24 hours please contact the nursing desk at 906.449.3800.