These disabilities require diagnostic work-up when new. Whether new or old, appropriate management during hospitalization as well as appropriate management on hospital discharge are part and parcel of quality care.
Several disciplines work in the management of patients with disabilities.
Primary care physicians and specialists participate in appropriate diagnostic work and treatment. Social Services assists patients and families cope and plan for future care. Case managers familiar with community resources help plan transitions from hospital-level care to other appropriate settings. Physiatrists can be helpful to this process of acute hospital disability management by helping in the acute hospital treatment phase. This includes activities like taking relevant histories, performing physical examinations, talking with other physicians on the case, discussing management with therapists, and visiting with family to educate on future management.