Outpatient Neurological Center

The Outpatient Neurological Center at Sunnyview provides specialized and coordinated treatment for individuals with an acquired neurological injury/condition.  The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to improve the patient’s cognitive, linguistic, mobility, psychosocial, self-care and instrumental activities of daily living skills.  An individualized treatment plan is establish reflective of  the evaluation findings, the patient’s and family’s goals and pre-morbid interests and responsibilities. 

Comprehensive Assessment/Case Management

A patient entering the program will participate in a comprehensive assessment, which may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, neuropsychology, social work and/or physiatry services.  Patients are seen in the program from one to five days per week depending upon clinical need.   

Each patient is assigned a Case Manager who oversees the patient’s program to ensure that the patient’s rehabilitative needs are being met.  The Case Manager also serves as a liaison with the patient’s insurance company and any other community agencies that may be involved in the patient’s care. 

Coordination with Community Agencies

When a patient’s goal is to return to employment or to school the rehabilitation team works closely with one or more of the following programs/agencies:  Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCESS-VR), the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and the individual’s specific school district. 

Family Involvement

Family involvement is encouraged; an ongoing family education/training program and family conferences are offered to increase the caregiver’s understanding of the rehabilitation process and instruct them in ways that they can assist the patient to achieve their highest level of functional independence. 

Admission Criteria

To be considered for the Outpatient Neurological Center Program, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• *   Be medically stable
• *   Have a recently diagnosed acquired neurological condition (traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, spinal cord injury or surgery, multiple sclerosis).  Individuals who are beyond the stage of active neurological recovery and who have realistic goals will be considered on a case by case basis.
• *   Have independent toileting skills or be accompanied by someone who will assist as needed.
• *   Demonstrate adequate endurance for one and one-half to four hours of therapy per day.
• *   Demonstrate sufficient behavioral control to preclude any dangerous or overtly aggressive behaviors toward self or others.
• *   Be alcohol and substance free.  An individual may be concurrently participating in a chemical treatment program.
• *   Have transportation available to and from program.
• *   Have a prescription for services signed by a New York State licensed physician.

 For more information about the Outpatient Neurological Center at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital or to refer a patient please contact
518-382-4569.