SNF
Pronunciation: sniff or S-N-F
Also written as: SNF — Skilled Nursing Facility
Healthcare facility providing skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services for patients not requiring acute hospitalization.
Full Definition
A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is a healthcare facility that provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with activities of daily living for patients who no longer require acute hospital care but are not ready for discharge home or to a lower level of care. SNFs serve as an important component of the post-acute care continuum, often receiving patients directly from hospitals or inpatient rehabilitation facilities. These facilities must be Medicare and Medicaid certified and provide services such as nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and medical social services under physician supervision.
Usage
Usage note: May be pronounced as 'sniff' colloquially, but spell out on first formal reference.
In Context
- "The patient was discharged to a SNF for continued rehabilitation and skilled nursing care." — Hospital discharge summary
- "SNF coverage requires a qualifying three-day hospital stay and physician certification of skilled services." — Insurance authorization guidelines