Health

By Emily Koogler, LSW, CCM
Social Worker-Case Manager, Bluffton Hospital

What is a swing bed?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grants approval to critical access hospitals to provide post-acute care in the hospital setting if the facility meets certain requirements. The swing bed concept allows a critical access facility to use its beds interchangeably for either acute care or post-acute care. The patient swings from receiving acute-care services and reimbursement to receiving skilled services and reimbursement while staying in the hospital setting.

By Thomas Vail, DPM
Podiatry, Medical Staff Member of Blanchard Valley Health System

Heel pain is the most common foot condition that brings patients to my office. Heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, multiple muscles, the bursa, nerves and the periosteum under the heel.

For most people, heel pain is at its worst in the morning. While you are sleeping, your feet rest in a downward, relaxed position, causing your muscles to tighten. When you take your first steps out of bed, stretching these tight muscles can cause pain.