Shepherd Center

Referrals for inpatients (newly or recently injured) can be made by a physician, hospital discharge planner or social worker, insurance company case manager or a patient’s family member.

Our staff of admissions liaisons can begin the admission process anywhere in the United States within 24 hours of referral. We offer this service free of charge and often serve as the referring facility’s primary educator and resource for family members.

Patients can be admitted from an acute-care hospital (including ICU-to-ICU transfer), subacute care, LTACH facility, nursing home or from the person’s home. We help families through the admissions process with an action plan that identifies important next steps for families to take.

Contact our Admissions Department

Please contact our Admissions Department to refer an inpatient with a spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke or neuromuscular diagnosis.

*Please note that anyone considering a referral for one of Shepherd Center's outpatient clinics should call 404-352-2020 for assistance.

Online

Make a referral for a newly or recently injured patient [inpatient only] using our online form.

Make a referral for our SCI Day Program by using this online form.

Via phone or fax

1-800-SHEPHERD (800-743-7437) or 404-350-7345 (within metro Atlanta area), or fax 404-603-4504. (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday)

Via email

Email admissions at admissions@shepherd.org.

You will be asked for basic information. Please be prepared to answer questions regarding:

• Patient's current location

• Potential date of transfer

• The individual's date of injury or onset of illness

• The level of injury or type of illness

• Other medical history

• Individual's assigned case manager/discharge planner

• Insurance provider, policy number and customer service number.

• If no medical coverage is available, you will be able to speak with a financial counselor.

Insurance Accepted

Shepherd Center accepts virtually all types of insurance plans including workers compensation, traditional insurance plans, managed care plans and Medicare and Medicaid. Our admissions staff is available if needed to help negotiate service with your provider if you learn that your loved one is not approved for treatment at Shepherd Center. Find out if your plan participates with Shepherd Center. Read more.

Workers' Compensation Referrals

Patients who are seeking admission to Shepherd Center under workers compensation and need special assistance or information are welcome to contact Julie Leighton at 781-354-5632 or email Julie.  

Diagnoses Treated at Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center offers acute medical and rehabilitation treatment to patients with a new injury or a recent onset of illness for the following diagnoses. Note that not all of these diagnosis would result in an inpatient admission and are subject to benefits guidelines.

• Traumatic spinal cord injury for patients age 12 and above that has resulted in paraplegia, tetraplegia, high tetraplegia (including ventilator-dependent patients)

• Brain injury for patients age 12 and above (including traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, anoxia, and tumor) and patients who are semi-comatose or minimally conscious

• Stroke (for people up to age 65)

• Dual diagnosis (spinal cord and acquired brain injury)

• Non-traumatic spinal cord injury, such as spinal cord infarction, aneurysm

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Transverse Myelitis

• Guillian-Barré syndrome

•  Spinal tumors 

• Medical complications arising from any of the above conditions, such as:

• Scoliosis

• Complications associated with spinal cord and brain injury

• Wound/skin care

• Brachial Plexus injury or lesions

• Septicemia

• Urinary tract infection

• Pneumonia and other pulmonary disorders

• Symptoms of neurogenic bladder

• Unstable spinal column (non-neuro deficit)

• Pain, spasticity and restorative procedures for better hand function and bladder and bowel control

Schedule an Outpatient Visit

Outpatient Services at Shepherd Center provides medical treatment, therapies and care for people with disabilities for a wide range of needs on an outpatient basis. These programs provide individualized, integrative care and include family members when appropriate.

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, call Outpatient Services at Shepherd Center:

Phone: 404-352-2020

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

Learn more