Joint Replacement Tours Prepare Those Facing Surgery

June 16, 2008

 SANDWICH - The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands (RHCI) will begin informational sessions and tours for individuals having joint replacement surgery.  The first free program will be held Tuesday, June 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the hospital sunroom. 

RHCI has developed the Pre-admission Joint Replacement Tour Program to educate the public about the rehabilitation process and about rehabilitation options following surgery.

"People have a lot of questions," says Susan Ehrenthal, M.D., one of RHCI's rehabilitation physicians.  "The more you prepare, the less scary the experience."

The program is an opportunity for RHCI physicians, nurses, therapists and admissions staff to answer frequent questions.  "People planning surgery may be concerned about how often a doctor will see them, anxious about post-operative pain, and curious about the kinds of exercises that will help them walk and be active again," says Dr. Ehrenthal. "We go over everything so they can approach surgery and rehab feeling confident and reassured.  Qualifying patients can even reserve their rehabilitation bed in advance."

"Medicare regulations governing rehabilitation after surgery can be very confusing," says Myrna Ryan, LICSW, Manager of Patient Care Coordination.  "We explain the options so that patients have accurate information when making their decisions."

For example, notes Ryan, Medicare allows RHCI, the Cape's only rehabilitation hospital, to admit patients who've had both hip or knee joints replaced at the same time, but it denies admission for most people having surgery to replace a single joint. 

"People don't realize there are exceptions, so they don't have the chance to exercise their right to choose," says Ryan.  "People over 85 or those with complicating health problems are often eligible to go to a rehabilitation hospital, but they assume a nursing home or home care are the only options."

The program includes a tour of the therapy gym, functional living apartment and patient room.  Light refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Tour:

September  24, 2008,  3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

To pre-register for the Joint Replacement Tour, please call Admissions at (508) 833-4200 .

View the latest Joint Replacement Tour flyer.