Inpatient Rehabilitation Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify, a patient must:

• Require ongoing medical supervision by a rehabilitation physician and access to specialized nursing care
• Be able to participate in and benefit from intensive therapy, typically three hours per day or at least 15 hours per week
• Require treatment from at least two therapy disciplines, with one being either physical therapy or occupational therapy
• Have the potential to achieve significant functional improvement as a result of the inpatient rehabilitation program

Patients who meet these criteria are evaluated for admission to ensure the most appropriate and effective plan of care.

You’ll receive compassionate care at an accredited, nationally recognized rehabilitation center.

• We have board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians.
• Our staff are specialized in rehabilitation.
• Our staff are certified in rehabilitation techniques.
• We provide continued access to UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians and services, as needed.

Our team works together to help you prepare for life after rehabilitation, in a state-of-the-art facility that includes:

• Cutting-edge gait training equipment
• A therapy kitchen with fully functioning appliances that can be converted to accommodate manual and power wheelchairs, walkers, and canes 
• A utility room with a fully functioning washer and dryer for patient practice
• An adaptive bathroom with tub-shower combo for bathing practice
• An actual home bed to practice bed mobility 
• A home office simulation station
• Wii and Intendu for mobility and cognitive training

We accept Medicare and have contracts with many private insurance companies for payment of rehabilitation services. See if your health insurance is accepted by UT Southwestern.

Insurance is verified prior to admission. If you have health insurance, we will need a copy of your health insurance card and proof of residency. We may also need insurance forms, which are supplied by your employer or insurance company.

You can access your health information through MyChart, UT Southwestern Medical Center’s secure online health management tool. MyChart allows you to make appointments and easily communicate with your physician and clinic regarding routine questions about your health care.

You may be admitted from anywhere inside or outside UT Southwestern directly into Inpatient Rehabilitation. There is a required pre-admission assessment. If you have any questions, call our intake office at 214-645-4833.  

Referrals and more information

Call 214-645-4833

Fax 214-645-4893

The average amount of time that patients stay in the rehabilitation unit is about 12 days, but many people achieve their goals in a shorter time. Every patient has a different length of stay (number of days) depending on their diagnosis and other factors. Your physiatrist (rehabilitation doctor) and rehab team will discuss this with you and your family ahead of time. 

Please bring appropriate clothing and toiletries:

• Clothing: Loose-fitting casual clothes that can be worn out in public, such as athletic shoes, socks, sweatpants, pull-over shirts (long-sleeved if you get cold), undergarments
• Toiletries: Toothbrush and toothpaste, grooming supplies, brush and comb, deodorant  

Your schedule will be established by you and your therapists. Sessions may begin as early as 7 a.m. Therapy is provided at least three hours per day, five days a week (or at least 15 hours a week).  

We provide physical and occupational therapy as well as speech-language pathology as needed. We also provide:

• Recreational therapy, such as pet therapy, rehabilitation dining, and adapted leisure and recreation activities  
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Clinical neuropsychology
• Respiratory therapy

Inpatient rehabilitation provides the most intensive amount of therapy in a hospital setting, which is at least three hours per day performed at least five days a week (including weekends), or at least 15 hours of therapy per week. 

Yes. Family members or friends are allowed to stay overnight in the room with you. The bench window seats in your room can accommodate one person. Hotels are also nearby. 

Yes. All treatment plans are personalized to fit the needs of the patient. One-on-one therapy, where the therapist works directly with one patient at a time, is the norm here. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in therapy groups in addition to your scheduled therapy.

Your rehabilitation physician will be a board-certified doctor in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), a specialty of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Additionally, there is a physician on-site 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 

Your surgeon or referring physician may decide to see you in rehabilitation. Otherwise, your physical medicine and rehabilitation physician will direct your medical care and ensure that medical consultations with other specialties will be ordered, if needed.

Yes. The patient and family are at the center of the care plan – they are the primary team members! Each week, the care team conducts a team conference with you and your family to discuss your progress, answer questions, and review your goals. 

You will be assigned a primary physician team and therapy team. Nursing staff is assigned to the same patient as much as possible during their shifts.

Yes, all Inpatient Rehabilitation rooms and bathrooms at UT Southwestern are private. 

We offer a dining program that’s based on hotel room service. You’ll be able to order the food you want from our room service menu, and it will be delivered to you at specific times during the day. Please note that:

• Meals can be pre-ordered at any time during call center hours.
• Smaller portions and condiments are available upon request. 
• Your physician might restrict your food choices to help your recovery. 
• If you are on a modified or restricted diet, our registered dieticians will help you with your selection. 

Additionally, a pantry with a fridge, microwave, sink, water and ice machine, and light snacks is located on each floor. Guest dining is available through the cafeteria, our coffee shop, or the Simply To-Go convenience shop (credit card required). 

You’ll have access to all UT Southwestern services, including: 

• Spiritual and chaplain services
• Guest and patient services to help make your stay as comfortable as possible
• Interpreters and translators
• Notary public
• Gift shop
• Coffee shop
• Simply To-Go convenience store
• Waiting areas
• ATMs
• Mail delivery
• Daily newspapers

Visiting hours are open; however, we encourage patients to get plenty of rest so their bodies can heal. We ask guests to be considerate and help keep the hospital environment quiet and peaceful.

For some patients, visiting hours may be limited due to their condition. Visitors are welcomed to observe or participate in therapy with patients. However, our team cannot postpone or delay therapy to accommodate visitors. 

There are two parking options: 

• You can valet at the main entrance of Zale Lipshy Pavilion – William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital.
• You can self-park at the Tower Parking Garage, located across the street from Harry Hines Boulevard.
• Learn more about valet and self-parking rates.