Lakewood Health System

Swing Bed is the term Medicare uses to describe a hospital room that can switch from acute care (hospital) status to skilled care (nursing home) status. A Swing Bed is a bridge from the hospital to home or to long-term care. Hospitals with Swing Beds participate in Medicare and are approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare established coverage for "swing beds" in order to serve the needs of smaller communities and hospitals. Medicare Certified Swing Bed services are only available in Critical Access Hospitals and smaller hospitals in rural areas where there is a shortage of long-term care beds. A Swing Bed can be used to provide 24-hour skilled nursing care. Swing beds can also be used for individuals needing to rehabilitate from surgery, illness, or accident.

06/15/2026