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After suffering a major medical event like a stroke or heart attack, or a traumatic injury that impairs movement and/or speech, getting back to one’s accustomed lifestyle can seem impossible. But through various forms of therapy, recovery is possible.

Whether an individual has had their life altered due to a stroke, brain injury or a serious fall, they can find support from a skilled team of physical, occupational and speech therapists so they may regain their strength, communication skills and independence through nationally recognized services at South Texas Health System’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Departments — at STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg.

With its high standards for operation, South Texas Health System’s Inpatient Rehabilitation program at both facilities rank in the top 10 percent of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the United States per the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR, LLC) for cases discharged between October 2020 and September 2021. For this ranking, 856 inpatient rehabilitation facilities were evaluated through a case-mix and severity-adjusted tool that provides a composite performance score and percentile ranking drawn from more than 80 percent of all IRFs in the country.

“To recognize the efficient and effective care it provides to its patients, we are pleased to present this award to the South Texas Health System Inpatient Rehabilitation Department,” said Troy Hillman, Manager of the Analytical Services Group at UDSMR, LLC. “As the creator and caretaker of the nation’s largest database of rehabilitation outcomes, and with over 30 years of experience and data, UDSMR, LLC continues working with the industry to establish best practices.

“Development of UDSMR's PEM Report Card has served as a tool to identify and recognize high-performing facilities, to work with them to learn how they provide efficient and effective care, and to share what we learn with others to elevate the performance of all. We look forward to working with South Texas Health System and the other top performing facilities across the country that rank in the top 10 percent to improve care in all inpatient rehabilitation facilities,” stated Hillman.

During this most recent ranking period, 802 patients received treatment at both of South Texas Health System’s acute care facilities with inpatient rehabilitation services, and this is the system’s first year earning this designation. Additionally, the program ranks in the 99th percentile of the top 10 percent.

“This recognition is proof to the people of the Rio Grande Valley that some of the best inpatient rehabilitation care in the nation is available right here in our community,” said Rashmi Chandran, System Director of Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, South Texas Health System. “I am beyond proud of our entire team who works tirelessly to serve the community every day by helping to restore confidence in their health. We are always marching forward and growing to meet the needs of our community. Our top priority when it comes to our patients is to restore their independence and transition them back home as safely and efficiently as possible."

Most recently, South Texas Health System’s Rehabilitation Services program received its recertification in stroke and cardiac rehabilitation from The Joint Commission, further proof of the system’s commitment to providing quality, compassionate care to those who have experienced a debilitating stroke or heart event.

Each facility’s inpatient units are equipped with advanced technology and equipment in a pandemic-safe environment, with individual rooms and bathrooms for patients.