Swing Bed

Swing Bed care is short term and averages less than three weeks for most patients.

Yes. Medicare and Medicaid are the primary payers for Swing Bed. For Medicare to provide coverage, a patient must require a skilled service. In addition, some commercial insurance companies also pay for Swing Bed care.

No. There is no guarantee that nursing home placement will be found by the time the patient is scheduled for discharge. Alternative discharge plans should be considered by the family or responsible party. Nursing home placement will be sought within a 60-mile radius of a patient’s home. If a family declines a bed within this range, Medicare may deny payment for Swing Bed care on and after the date of refusal.

The medical condition of Swing Bed patients may not require daily visits by the physician as is done in an acute hospital stay. Medicare requires physicians to visit once a week. If a change in the patient’s medical condition warrants supervision, physician visits will become more frequent. Nursing staff has daily communication with physicians regarding Swing Bed patients.

The hospital staff works together as a team to provide care for Swing Bed patients. Special emphasis is placed on the psychosocial functioning. The patient and family are encouraged to participate in the plan of care. The staff also strives to maximize the quality of life for each Swing Bed patient.

Swing Bed patients may leave the premises (day only) with a written order from the physician. The patient/responsible party releases the facility from any and all harm, injury or loss suffered by the patient while away from the facility and/or supervision of the staff. The patient and family must be taught to perform car transfers prior to day passes.

For more information about Swing Bed services, call 1-800-843-3375 or the Swing Bed Coordinator at a specific hospital:

North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora
(662) 258-6221

North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton
(205) 921-6225

North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka
(662) 423-4517

North Mississippi Medical Center-Pontotoc
(662) 489-5510

North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point
(662) 495-2138 • (662) 495-2140

North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory
(662) 256-7111