By enhancing the way a patient functions, rehabilitation can dramatically improve the quality of life in patients with temporary or permanent disability resulting from complex medical illness. The Johns Hopkins Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), through its inpatient consultation service, can assist in this important challenge. A variety of rehabilitation services are offered. Wide availability. Our consultation service offers expert evaluation, assessment and follow-up of hospital inpatients with rehabilitative needs, performed by trained physiatrists (rehabilitation physicians). Physiatric consultation is available at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. We will also see patients by request at other hospitals throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. Broad expertise. Stroke, spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, cardiovascular deconditioning, musculoskeletal dysfunction, amputation, pain syndromes, cancer, AIDS and other causes of neuromuscular and skeletal problems are some of the disorders typically encountered by the rehabilitation team. The physiatrist coordinates the efforts of physical, occupational and speech therapists and professionals in related disciplines to promote and maximize each patient's functional independence. Comprehensive assessment. Components of the physiatric evaluation may include: - functional assessment
- exercise prescription
- contracture prevention
- skin management
- bowel and bladder management
- evaluation for adaptive equipment
- functional outcome prognostication
Preadmission screening. Physiatrists will screen prospective candidates for inpatient rehabilitation at the request of physicians, nurses, social workers and allied health personnel. Referrals can be made for inpatient admission to our acute inpatient rehabilitation units at Good Samaritan Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital or other acute or subacute rehabilitation programs. When is the best time to request a physiatric consultation? Ideally, a consultation should be requested as soon as a significant functional deficit is identified, or for any patient who is at risk for developing such a deficit. Early consultation enables our physiatrists to follow patients throughout the course of their illness. This allows them to diagnose and treat problems early, preventing the development of more severe disability through deconditioning, contracture or other complications of illness. Patients who require further rehabilitation services after hospital discharge will be referred for appropriate inpatient or outpatient treatment. For more information or to arrange a consultation, please call 410-532-4701. | 
