What Encompass Health does
Encompass Health is a chain of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals operating across the United States. Unlike general hospitals, Encompass facilities focus on intensive therapy for people recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, joint replacement, and other conditions that require structured rehabilitation. Patients stay overnight, receive multiple therapy sessions per day, and work with a team of doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
Encompass operates more than 140 rehabilitation hospitals in 40 states. Each facility is licensed as an acute rehabilitation hospital, which means it meets specific federal standards for staffing, therapy intensity, and medical oversight. The company also runs outpatient rehabilitation clinics, but the inpatient hospitals are the primary service.
Admission to an Encompass hospital requires a doctor's referral and medical clearance. You do not walk in off the street. A hospital social worker or case manager typically initiates the referral process, either before you leave an acute care hospital or from your doctor's office if you are already home.
Key Takeaways
- Encompass Health runs inpatient rehabilitation hospitals where you stay overnight and receive multiple therapy sessions daily, not outpatient clinics where you go home the same day.
- Admission requires a doctor's referral and medical clearance; your insurance company may also need to approve the stay before you arrive.
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover inpatient rehabilitation, though your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan and deductible status.
- The length of stay typically ranges from two to four weeks, depending on your condition and progress, and is determined by your medical team and insurance requirements.
- Encompass facilities must meet federal standards for therapy intensity and medical staffing, but quality and outcomes vary by location.
How admission works
The referral usually comes from your acute care hospital before discharge, or from your primary care doctor if you are recovering at home. The referring doctor must document that you need intensive inpatient rehabilitation — meaning you require at least three hours of therapy per day and cannot safely recover at home or in a less intensive setting.
Once a referral is made, an Encompass admissions coordinator contacts you or your family to confirm the referral, discuss your medical history, and check whether your insurance will cover the stay. Insurance pre-authorization is often required; your insurance company reviews the referral and decides whether to approve payment before you arrive. This process can take one to three business days.
On admission day, you check in like you would at any hospital. You bring insurance cards, photo ID, and a list of current medications. The medical team performs an intake assessment, reviews your medical history, and creates a rehabilitation plan with specific therapy goals. You meet your case manager, who coordinates your care and discharge planning from day one.
What happens during your stay
A typical day includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy or other specialized services. Physical therapy focuses on mobility, strength, and walking. Occupational therapy addresses daily living skills like dressing, bathing, and cooking. Speech therapy treats swallowing and communication if needed. Most patients receive two to three hours of therapy daily, split across morning and afternoon sessions.
You also see a physician daily. At Encompass hospitals, this is usually a physiatrist — a doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine — or another attending physician. They monitor your medical condition, adjust medications, manage pain, and oversee your progress toward therapy goals.
Nights and weekends are less structured. You may have visitors, make phone calls, or rest. Some facilities offer recreational activities or group outings. Meals are provided, and dietary staff can accommodate restrictions or special needs. You remain an inpatient, meaning you sleep in the hospital and nursing staff are available 24 hours.
Insurance coverage and costs
Medicare covers inpatient rehabilitation at Encompass hospitals if the admission meets medical necessity criteria. You pay a daily copay (the amount varies yearly) after you meet your deductible. Medicare typically covers up to 60 days per benefit period, though your doctor can request additional days if medically necessary.
Medicaid coverage varies by state. Some states cover inpatient rehabilitation generously; others have limits on days or require prior authorization. Contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid plan directly to learn what your coverage includes.
Private insurance plans usually cover inpatient rehabilitation, but the amount you pay out of pocket depends on your specific plan. Some plans require a copay per day; others use coinsurance (you pay a percentage of the cost). Many plans require pre-authorization, and some limit the number of days covered. Call your insurance company before admission to confirm your coverage, out-of-pocket maximum, and any authorization requirements.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask the Encompass admissions team about financial information programs or payment plans. Some facilities offer reduced rates based on income.
Length of stay and discharge planning
Most inpatient rehabilitation stays last two to four weeks. The exact length depends on your condition, how quickly you progress in therapy, and what your insurance covers. Your medical team reviews your progress weekly and adjusts the discharge date as needed. Insurance companies may also set a maximum length of stay, which can shorten your time in the hospital.
Discharge planning begins on day one. Your case manager works with your therapy team, your family, and community resources to plan what happens after you leave. This might include outpatient therapy, home health services, equipment needs (like a wheelchair or walker), home modifications, or placement in a skilled nursing facility if you cannot yet return home safely.
Before discharge, your therapists teach you and your family how to continue exercises at home, use adaptive equipment, and recognize warning signs. You receive written instructions, a list of outpatient therapy providers if needed, and prescriptions for any new medications. Some Encompass locations offer outpatient therapy at the same facility, which can make the transition smoother.
Finding an Encompass location near you
Encompass Health operates hospitals in most states, but not all areas have a facility. You can search for locations on the Encompass Health website by entering your zip code or state. The search shows inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics separately.
If no Encompass facility is near you, your doctor can refer you to another inpatient rehabilitation hospital in your area. All inpatient rehabilitation hospitals must meet the same federal standards for therapy intensity and medical oversight, regardless of which company operates them.
When choosing between facilities, ask your doctor or case manager about outcomes data, patient satisfaction scores, and whether the facility specializes in your condition. Some Encompass hospitals focus on certain diagnoses like stroke or spinal cord injury, while others serve a broader patient population.
Quality and outcomes
Encompass Health facilities are required to report quality measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These measures include patient satisfaction, readmission rates, and functional improvement. You can view this data on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) by searching for the specific hospital.
Outcomes vary by location. Some Encompass hospitals have higher patient satisfaction scores and better functional outcomes than others. Ask your referring doctor which Encompass facility in your area has the strongest reputation for your specific condition. If you have a choice between facilities, comparing these metrics can help you decide.
Accreditation by The Joint Commission is another quality marker. Most Encompass hospitals are Joint Commission accredited, meaning they meet national standards for safety and care. You can verify accreditation on The Joint Commission website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which Encompass hospital I go to?
Your insurance company and your doctor's referral network may limit your options. If multiple Encompass facilities are in-network and near you, you can usually request a specific location. Ask your case manager whether your choice is covered and whether the facility has availability.
What if I am not making progress in therapy?
Your medical team reviews your progress regularly. If you are not meeting therapy goals, they may adjust your therapy plan, change your therapy intensity, or discuss whether continued inpatient rehabilitation is appropriate. Insurance companies also review progress and may deny further coverage if improvement plateaus. You have the right to ask questions about your progress and goals at any time.
Can family members stay overnight with me?
Most Encompass hospitals allow family visitors during set hours and some have family waiting areas. Overnight stays by family members are usually not permitted in patient rooms, though policies vary by facility. Ask about your specific facility's visitor policy when you arrive.
What happens if I want to leave before my discharge date?
You can leave against medical information at any time, but doing so may affect your insurance coverage and your recovery. Talk to your doctor and case manager first about your concerns. They may be able to adjust your plan or address the reason you want to leave.
Do I need to pay anything upfront before admission?
Most facilities do not require payment before admission if your insurance is pre-authorized. However, you may be asked to pay your copay or deductible at check-in. If you are uninsured, ask about payment plans or financial information before your admission date.