Outpatient Care

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's outpatient care treats people of all ages and abilities. And we address a wide range of problems, from ankle sprains to complex stroke, from chronic illness to serious trauma. Typically, outpatients will participate in:

• Physical, occupational and/or speech-language therapy 
• Fitting and use of assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs
• Fitting and use of a custom prosthesis or orthotic (a special brace)  
• Individual configuration and practice with assistive technology (for communication, for example).
• Infant & early childhood care via our partners at Pathways.org

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At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab facilities, masking is optional and encouraged. Patients are welcome to ask their providers to wear a mask. To protect our community, we ask that anyone who has experienced any cold, flu-like or respiratory symptoms within the preceding 10 days stay home.

Up to two visitors are allowed to accompany patients in our Outpatient clinics who require additional assistance or support. Any requested exemptions to this policy should be cleared by the clinic manager in advance. 

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The level of care you need will be determined by your doctor but, in general, our outpatients come to us for two reasons:

• Transition — You may be ready to transition from inpatient rehabilitation care to outpatient rehabilitation. Outpatient care allows you to continue your recovery without interruption — and without the disruption of being away from home 24 hours a day. Patients who need more intense, coordinated care following transition from an acute-care hospital can opt for DayRehab.™ 
• Short course of therapy — Outpatients do not need constant medical care, but do need expert, focused rehabilitation therapy. Perhaps you've developed an impairment due to a new injury or have had a flare up of a chronic condition (e.g. a sports or performing arts injury, a slipped disc, chronic pain and diabetic nerve pain, to name just a few). We're here to help.

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Although each patient’s treatment plan is unique, outpatient rehabilitation typically includes a minimum of 1-2 hours of therapy, 1-2 times a week, with doctors and therapists in the specialty program aligning most closely with the source of your injury or condition. 

Frequency, intensity and duration of daily activity are determined by your care team and change as you progress.

We encourage family participation to maximize long-term outcomes.

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• Bring your physician order for therapy
• Bring your insurance card(s)
• Bring a photo ID
• Bring your medication list
• Bring a copy of any pertinent imaging tests or medical records
• Download the medical intake form below, complete the form, and bring the form to the clinic where you are attending therapy
• Arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration

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Outpatients have access to our experts, unique facilities, equipment and all features of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

We’re always here for you!
Whether you need inpatient, outpatient, DayRehab™, an expert second opinion, or information about community resources or peer groups, we are here for you. You don’t need to be a patient to use our LIFE Center resources or attend classes open to the community.