Steele Memorial Medical Center

Inpatient Services

At Steele Memorial Medical Center, we provide comprehensive and compassionate care in our 18-bed hospital, serving the residents and visitors of Lemhi and Custer Counties. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout your stay, supported by state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach.

Medical/Surgical Unit

Our Medical/Surgical Unit provides exceptional care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors, requiring acute medical or surgical attention.

A highly skilled team—including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and ward secretaries—works collaboratively to deliver superior care.

Key services include:

  • Coordinating individualized care plans with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
  • Comprehensive patient assessments from admission to discharge.
  • Medication administration and monitoring.
  • Pre- and post-operative education.
  • Discharge education to ensure a smooth transition home.

Swing Bed Services

Steele Memorial Medical Center is proud to offer a Medicare-certified Swing Bed Program, designed to meet the needs of patients requiring short-term skilled care and rehabilitation. This program enables patients to recover close to home, surrounded by family and community.

What Is the Swing Bed Program?

The Swing Bed Program allows a hospital room to transition from acute care to skilled care status, as defined by Medicare. It bridges the gap between hospital discharge and a safe, sustainable return home or transfer to long-term care.

Services Offered

The program provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation, including:

  • Physical therapy.
  • Occupational therapy.
  • Speech therapy.
  • IV therapy.
  • Intensive wound care.

When Is the Swing Bed Program Appropriate?

The Swing Bed Program is ideal for patients recovering from:

  • Post-acute episodes such as pneumonia, CHF, diabetes, or COPD.
  • Orthopedic surgeries (e.g., hip or knee replacements).
  • Stroke rehabilitation.
  • Surgical stays requiring additional recovery time and support.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for the Swing Bed Program, patients must meet these criteria:

  • Be covered by Medicare Part A or certain private insurance plans.
  • Have a minimum of three consecutive overnight stays in an acute care bed.
  • Require skilled nursing or therapy services as defined by Medicare.

Our discharge planning team will verify benefits and eligibility with your insurance provider if needed.

What to Expect

While in the program, patients receive:

  • 24-hour skilled nursing care.
  • Daily assessments by an interdisciplinary care team.
  • Specialized therapies (physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory).
  • Pharmacy and nutritional services.
  • Social services and engaging activities.
  • Discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition home.

Program Duration

The Swing Bed Program is designed for short-term stays, with the average length ranging from one to two weeks.


Payment Information

Medicare and many private insurance plans cover Swing Bed services. Our team will obtain necessary authorizations before admission and communicate with your insurance carrier throughout your stay.

  • Co-pays: Patients or their legal representatives are responsible for any co-pays.

If you have questions about coverage or eligibility, our case manager is here to assist you.


Contact Us

For more information about the Swing Bed Program or to speak with our case manager, please call 208-756-5810. Steele Memorial Medical Center is here to support your recovery journey with compassionate care and expert services.