Make a Referral

A nurse in navy scrubs stands smiling beside a seated hospital patient in a supportive chair and neck brace, connected to medical equipment. The scene takes place in a brightly lit hospital room, creating a warm and caring atmosphere.

We share your passion for patient possibilities

At Shepherd Center, we value your role in guiding patients to top-quality care and share your commitment to exceptional outcomes. Our comprehensive services include inpatient intensive care, acute rehabilitation, day programs, and outpatient services. With strong partnerships with managed care and workers’ compensation carriers, we streamline early transfers for patients. Partner with us to ensure your patients receive world-class care, and benefit from the latest research and dedicated support throughout their recovery.

How to refer a patient to Shepherd Center

Our admissions team is committed to making the referral process smooth and quick for patients and providers worldwide. We can start the referral process within 24 hours of receiving the necessary information during business days — at no cost to you.

To assess whether Shepherd Center is the right fit for your patient, we encourage you to submit a referral through one of the following methods:

  1. Call us: Contact us directly at 404-350-7367, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET. Our team is ready to discuss your patient’s needs, determine the most suitable type and level of care, and evaluate how our programming can contribute to achieving their rehabilitation goals.
  2. Use a web-based referral management system: Submit referrals via CarePort, Ensocare, or other referral management systems for a streamlined process.
  3. Fax documents: Send referrals and supporting documentation directly to 404-603-4504.

Still have questions? Submit a referral inquiry directly through our website.

Inpatient rehabilitation programs

If you’re considering Shepherd Center for your workers’ compensation patient, we’re here to assist you. Call us directly at 404-350-7367, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. Referrals and supporting documentation can also be faxed directly to 404-603-4504.

Outpatient programs and services

For information about our outpatient programs, please call 404-352-2020. Our team will connect you with the appropriate clinic or department. Referrals and documentation can be faxed to 404-603-4509.

More About Workers’ Compensation Referrals

Inpatient admissions

If you or a loved one needs inpatient care, ask your physician, discharge planner, social worker, or insurance case manager to submit a referral on your behalf. You’re also welcome to contact us directly to determine whether Shepherd Center is right for your rehabilitation journey. Learn more about the inpatient admissions process.

Outpatient appointments

Our specialized outpatient clinics offer tailored guidance on admissions, scheduling, and referrals. Discover how to access our outpatient services and clinics for the care you need.

Conditions we treat

Shepherd Center provides specialized medical and rehabilitation care to adults and adolescents aged 12 and above, dealing with complex neurological injuries or recent neurological illnesses. We offer comprehensive services for the following diagnoses:

  • Traumatic spinal cord injury that has resulted in paraplegia, tetraplegia, or high tetraplegia (including patients who use ventilators to breathe)
  • Non-traumatic spinal cord injury, such as spinal stroke, spinal tumors, aneurysm
  • Brain injury, encompassing traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, anoxia, and tumors, as well as those who are semi-comatose or minimally conscious
  • Stroke (for individuals who are medically and functionally appropriate)
  • Multiple trauma (with or without brain or spinal cord injury)
  • Traumatic amputations (with or without brain or spinal cord injury)
  • Dual diagnosis (spinal cord and acquired brain injury)
  • Neurological demyelinating illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Services we don’t provide

  • Dialysis

Inpatient admissions criteria

Eligibility for our inpatient programming is assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Patient meets Shepherd Center’s medical criteria for admissions, including conditions we treat (see above list) and not requiring services we don’t provide (such as dialysis).
  • Patient is medically and surgically stable.
  • Patient can demonstrate the ability to participate and tolerate three hours of therapy per day.
  • Patient has a support system to provide an appropriate discharge plan following the hospital stay.

Feel free to contact us at 404-350-7367, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, to discuss specific information regarding these listed conditions or other unlisted injuries.

Why we are the right choice for your patients

At Shepherd Center, we combine specialized expertise with compassionate care to help your patients achieve their best possible outcomes. Guided by what is best for our patients and their families, we provide innovative treatments and personalized rehabilitation plans that address each patient’s unique needs.

Exceptional patient outcomes and quality care standards

Patients at Shepherd consistently achieve greater independence and better outcomes than national averages. Our success rates for returning patients to their homes and workplaces rank among the highest in the U.S.

Patient Outcomes

Half a century of extraordinary care

As a recipient of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, Shepherd underscores its commitment to delivering patient-centered care. Also, we hold the distinction of being recognized as both a Spinal Cord Injury and a Traumatic Brain Injury System by NIDILRR, placing us among an elite group of institutions.

Awards & Recognition

Innovative treatment informed by leading research

Shepherd Center is a world-class center for neurological and neuromuscular research. Through collaborations with experts from various hospitals, research centers, medical schools, and universities worldwide, we continuously refine our treatment approaches.

Research & Innovation