What to Expect from Inpatient Treatment

Recently, several inpatient treatment facilities were exposed for illegal and unethical operations. Due to this we feel that individuals should be informed about what they should expect from an inpatient treatment facility. Find out what to expect before, during, and after treatment at an inpatient facility.

Prior to Arrival at Treatment

During your initial call to an inpatient treatment facility, an admissions employee will take down information regarding the issue that is bringing you into treatment. They will also take down your demographics and insurance information.

Next, someone from the facility will call your insurance company to verify that your insurance benefits are active and find out what your out-of-pocket cost will be. You may have a significant upfront cost in order to get into treatment, especially if you have a high deductible. Many facilities will work with you to set up a payment plan to make treatment more affordable. Ask direct questions about how much you are expected to pay and try and get answers to these questions in writing to avoid miscommunication.

After reviewing financial logistics, the admissions department will schedule a day and time for you to come into treatment. Many treatment centers offer the option of picking you up and transporting you to their facility.

During Treatment

Your chosen treatment facility should have a physician on staff. Upon arrival, you should be assessed by a physician who will prescribe any detox medications you may need. He or she should also arrange for you to receive tests for any diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. You should also be given the opportunity to meet with a psychiatrist who can assess your mental health needs and prescribe psychotropic medications if necessary.

Soon after your arrival, you should meet with a counselor who will complete a biopsychosocial assessment to determine which issues should be addressed on your treatment plan. Your counselor should collaborate with you to complete your treatment plan, or a list of goals you want to complete in treatment and corresponding objectives for how to achieve those goals.

Your counselor should meet with you regularly to help you through any issues that may come up in treatment and make sure you are working on your treatment plan objectives. When you are getting ready to discharge from inpatient care, your counselor should set up your aftercare appointments, including outpatient therapy and housing, a follow-up psychiatry appointment, and a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician, if needed.

After Inpatient Treatment

Treatment facilities are required to follow up with you after you discharge from their program. If you relapse, they should help you get back into their program, or another facility if their program is no longer appropriate.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for an evaluation to determine whether inpatient care is right for you, contact Rehab After Work today.

Article Written by Shaylyn Forte, LPC, CAADC