16 Questions To Ask a Potential Spinal Cord or Brain Injury Rehabilitation Hospital

Does your choice for a rehabilitation program matter?

The simple answer is, yes it does. If you or a family member sustains a spinal cord or traumatic brain injury, a specialty rehabilitation center can be the difference in the potential for the most independent life possible post-rehabilitation.

But how do you know what rehabilitation center is right for you? Start by asking questions.

16 questions to help you choose a rehabilitation hospital:

1. How many patients who have injuries similar to the patient I know are treated per year at this facility?
2. How many patients are being treated for this type of injury right now?
3. Are there patients here whose ages are about the same as the patient I know?
4. Is the facility a specialty center, and if so, for how long has it focused on that specialization? What specialty accreditations does the facility have?
5. How many years of experience do the physicians have, on average? Staff?
6. How long have the physicians practiced at the facility? Are they full-time or part-time?
7. Which physicians, therapists, and other professionals will work with the patient?
8. Who will be the patient’s primary physician, and does he/she specialize in this particular injury?
9. Is air transportation available?
10. Are specialty education programs available for patients and families during rehabilitation? What are they? And are there brain injury or spinal cord injury resources available after they leave?
11. What is the family’s role? What are the policies regarding family visitation?
12. Is there designated low-cost housing available near your facility?
13. Who will help with discharge planning before the patient comes home?
14. Are long-term follow-up services provided? If so, what are they? And are there peer mentorship networks available?
15. Are the physicians and staff currently involved with research and training? If so, in what areas?
16. What is the caseload size for the nursing, treatment, and counseling staff?

Download a printable version of the checklist to help you keep track.

Want to know where Craig stands on these questions? Learn what Craig has to offer as a specialty rehabilitation hospital.