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Frequently asked questions that can help you prepare for admission

This information will help during admission planning

Nexus Health Systems understands you may have questions about your stay or the stay of a loved one at one of our hospitals or medical model residential treatment centers. To learn more about your or a family member’s prospective stay, please review our frequently asked questions below.

In addition, patients and residents will receive a handbook upon admission that includes information about the facility, patient/resident services, visitor guidelines, billing information, and patient/resident rights and responsibilities. If you have more questions, please contact our Admissions Department or the liaison you’ve been communicating with pre-admission. This information is helpful to understanding how we’re mending minds.

Program & facility questions

What are the typical diagnoses admitted by program?

Harbor Program

  • Polytrauma
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Ventilator dependence
  • Long-term antibiotic therapy
  • Wound complications, including those resulting from surgery
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Rare genetic disorders
  • Blood disorders
  • Awaiting transplant
  • Sepsis
  • Complications from RSV

True North Program

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Behavior Dysregulation
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Cutting and Self-Harm
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
  • History of Homicidal Ideation
  • Major Depression Disorder
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Somatization Disorders
  • History of Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD

New Directions Program

  • Significant intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) including autism, including:
    • Exceptionally challenging/uncontrollable maladaptive behaviors
    • Significant co-occurring medical needs (i.e., autism and seizure disorder)
    • Substantial physical impairments

Jump Start Program

  • Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)
  • Childhood obesity
  • Other established weight control problems

Rise Program

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke
  • Disorder of Consciousness
  • Seizure Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Amnesia/Delirium
  • Behavioral Dysregulation
  • Complex Neurological Conditions
  • Dual Diagnosis

Life Care Program

  • Ranges; catastrophic to where person or caregivers cannot manage medical and/or behavioral needs at home

What age groups do you admit?

Birth to 21. Patients over 21 are considered on a case-by-case basis with commercial or workers compensation insurance providers. Patients are assigned to a facility and/or program following a clinical review. Please submit a form with more details and a clinical liaison will be in touch to discuss your specific case.

What type of facilities are included in Nexus Health Systems’ network of care?

Hospital and medical model residential treatment centers are provided within the Nexus network of care. Individuals can admit to these post-acute settings from an acute or trauma hospital, from home, or other referral source. Because of the varying environments, Nexus also has a built-in continuum, which allows patients to recover and rehabilitate in a least restrictive facility while having continuity of care.

Do you offer facility tours?

You can view our virtual tours here. If you would like to request an in-person tour, please complete this form and a clinical liaison will be in touch to schedule.

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Pre-admission questions

Who can refer a patient to Nexus?

Anyone, including family members, guardian, nurse, case manager, physician, and outpatient provider.

How do I refer a patient to Nexus?

You can complete the online form or call 713.351.6633 to refer a patient to Nexus. We also have admission fax numbers for information and requested medical records to be submitted.

Nexus Children’s Hospital: 713.482.4863
Nexus Neurorecovery Center: 713.583.5185.

What are the typical documents needed to review for admission?

The following documentation will need to be provided: most recent medical records from current treating providers, copy of insurance card, and recent psychological evaluation (if applicable). Other documents may be requested case-by-case.

Will I be assigned a particular Nexus contact who will help me through the admission journey?

A clinical liaison will be assigned to you to help through the process. The clinical liaison will reach out to a family member or designated guardian via phone call within one business day of the referral.

What does the entire admission process look like from referral to patient drop off?

The typical process is: Referral received, appropriate requested medical documentation sent via fax or email, medical documentation review/evaluation writeup, transportation discussed and/or arranged, transfer details finalized.

How long does the insurance approval process take?

Depending on the particular payor, the process may take two to three days to upwards of 45 days. Your assigned Nexus clinical liaison will be able to answer more specifically.

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Admission questions

How long will the patient be with Nexus?

The patient’s length of stay depends on the program they’re admitted to. The clinical liaison can give you more specific information after the program is assigned. Length of stay may also depend on clinical progression and/or insurance coverage.

Are there any hotel accommodation recommendations if I need to stay overnight nearby?

Can I stay with my loved one on the admission day?

We welcome all families and guardians on the day of admission to attend admission conference and help the patient settle into their room. Visitation hours vary based on facility and program. Parent/Guardian overnight stays are contingent upon the facility or program.

What should we expect on the admission day?

Your assigned clinical liaison will provide information on what to expect on the admission day. There will be an admission conference, and you will be coordinated with if you would like to participate.

How does the patient physically admit to Nexus?

Your assigned clinical liaison will work with you and the referring physician/facility to coordinate transportation. Transportation needs are discussed on a case-by-case basis.

What should be plan on bringing for the patient?

Your assigned clinical liaison will provide a list of items to bring or not to bring via phone or email. You may also receive a handbook depending on what program the patient is admitting to.

Once paperwork is submitted, what is the next step in the admission process?

Once insurance is approved, the admission date is scheduled and the clinical liaison communicates with family and/or guardian on the packing list, coordinates transportation, and discusses any other pertinent details.

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Discharge questions

What if the patient is discharged and challenges arise at home?

Through Nexus 360 Care Coordination, we help to ensure a smooth transition to home and community for patients with especially complex diagnoses and care needs.

Will families or guardians receive any training to support care after discharge?

Nexus provides family members, guardians, and school officials training to facilitate program carryover at home, school, or in the community. Each program has specific training that can be detailed once the patient is assigned to a program.

What does the discharge process look like?

Nexus will work with families and guardians throughout the patient’s stay to discuss discharge needs, as we work closely to establish appropriate and timely discharge solutions. An assigned a case manager or social worker will help facilitate discharge planning needs, including equipment, services, or clinical follow-up.

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