In a message dated 10/13/98 1:57:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
<< Keeping up with state-of-art PT is hard enough for most clinicians without
having to deal with non-clinical issues. However, as we all know, it is nearly
impossible to not get impacted by what is occurring in healthcare today.
Would you mind sharing with me your thoughts on what management could do to
improve your working environment, patient relations, and your ability to
perform PT the way you believe it should be implemented? (Please describe your
clinic, e.g., private practice, 5 PTs, etc.)
>>
Dear Mr Leer,
I am affiliated with a large rehab center that includes a 15 therapist out-
patient center. We are located in a low-class neighborhood but draw from the
entire city due to reputation. The main problem with the changes you describe
is limited visits allowed by the insurance company (e.g. 6 visits to rehab an
ACL reconstruction). Here are some ways I deal with this limitation:
1) Identify the NEED for prolonged therapy. Can home exercise serve the
patient as well?
2) Strongly encourage the patient to be an ACTIVE participant in both their
care and ironing out insurance issues.
3) Appeal when more visits are indicated with the coordinated efforts of the
therapist, patient/family, and ordering physician.
4) Let the patient know the details of ALL limitations/hassels imposed by
their insurance company. The public must become fully aware so as to become
educated consumers.
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