Baltimore, MD 21207
1-888-4KERNAN (453-7626)
Programs and Services
Outpatient Therapies
Outpatient Therapies at Kernan Hospital
There are two hospital-based outpatient programs offering rehabilitation services for individuals post hospital discharge and directly from various communities throughout Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
For More Information
For further information on any of the outpatient therapy services, call 410-448-6706 (for patients with orthopedic needs and those persons wanting to use the pool) or 410-448-6421 (for patients with neurological needs).
One of the programs developed primarily for patients with neurological and pulmonary disorders provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language pathology services.
The other program, which was developed primarily for patients with orthopedic, amputation, and spinal cord disorders, offers physical and occupational therapy services. The age range of persons served is generally 16 to 90+ years, with female patients outnumbering male patients slightly. At times, younger patients have been treated.
Outpatient services consist of evaluations, re-evaluations, treatments, and patient/caregiver education and training. We use a variety of individual goal-oriented and functional therapeutic techniques to maximize patient function and feature state-of-the-art therapeutic programs such as the VitalStim program using electrical stimulation for patients with swallowing disorders, the lymphatic management program using the Vodder Technique for patients with acute and chronic lymphedema, the Ness H200™ and L300™, the Saeboflex functional tone management specialized splinting programs for patients with upper extremity dysfunction, and the Lokomat robotic and Lite Gait treadmills for assisted gait training. Other outpatient services include interdisciplinary wheelchair seating, orthotic, and prosthetic clinics, as well as interdisciplinary spasticity and pain management programs.
We have special expertise in the treatment of patients with stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, amputation, Parkinson's Disease, lymphedema, and those patients post upper extremity injury or surgery. Patients have opportunities to participate in a variety of clinical research studies - particularly those patients who have multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and upper and lower extremity weakness.
Patients receive their outpatient services in two spacious therapy gyms equipped with advanced and state-of-the-art therapy equipment as well as functional training kitchens and bathrooms. Most of the services we provide are to individual patients in a one-on-one setting. As appropriate, therapists may offer specialized consultations for patients re-entering the community, workplace modifications and or job analysis, voice training, energy conservation techniques, and safety evaluations, to name just a few.
The outpatient programs operate weekdays between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. The Orthopedic Program is located on the ground floor of the William Donald Schaffer Rehabilitation Center, across from the pool. The Neurological Program is located on the first floor of the Altvater Building, near the inpatient medical/surgical unit. Both areas are accessible by wheelchair.
Patient Care Providers of Outpatient Therapy Services
Outpatient staff includes licensed and competent physical and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants and certified occupational therapy assistants, speech/language pathologists, therapy aides, and admitting specialists. When appropriate, therapists collaborate as a team to best address needs of the persons served.
Therapists are in close contact with the patient's physician, and inform her/him of the patient's progress and status. Therapists provide resource materials on the variety of specialized community resources that may meet the needs of particular patients in conjunction with outpatient therapy, but more likely as an extension of the outpatient continuum of care.
Staffing requirements are based on referral volumes, patient diagnostic categories, and specific therapeutic needs particularly related to historical trends of the programs.
Admission and Discharge Criteria for Outpatient Therapy Services
All patients must have a physician referral for physical and or occupational therapy, or speech/language pathology evaluation and treatment and insurance authorization before we schedule them for our services.
In addition, they must have a need for skilled services to obtain a functional goal and the capacity to meet those goals. Patients participate in the development and prioritization of their goals, and agree to the goals as part of the evaluation process. Patients are ready for discharge when they achieve the stated goals and/or have no capacity to meet the stated goals or any other goals.
In addition to therapeutic outpatient programs, we also offer aquatic therapy and pool-based fitness and wellness programs, and swimming lessons. Hours of operation are weekdays generally between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, depending upon the specific day and program.
Physical therapists and or physical therapist assistants provide aquatic therapy using the physical properties of water to carry out part of the patient’s functional and therapeutic program. Aquatics specialists who are trained as lifeguards provide wellness, fitness, and swimming classes following the guidelines of the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Programs and the American Red Cross.
We provide these services to persons receiving other therapeutic outpatient services at Kernan, but also to the general community, both near and far. There is a minimal charge for the fitness and wellness programs and swimming lessons. For participation in any of the aquatics programs, the individual must have a consent form to participate from her/his physician.