How Much Should PT, OT and Speech Therapy Cost our Patients?

As PTs, OTs and Speech language pathologists we know how detrimental to our patients’ health it can be when they don’t receive the appropriate amount of therapy and care. But for many of our patients this has become the norm as co-pays have skyrocketed to 80 – 85% of the cost of the visit.  

While many of our patients can’t afford to go without therapy, it’s become a truth that many patients simply can’t afford the prescribed amount of therapy. We hear the struggles everyday. “I just can’t afford it,” “My insurance doesn’t cover it,” and so on. As therapists this can be very frustrating. We are trained to help, yet our hands are tied.

However, there may be some good news on the horizon. According to a recent article in Kaiser Health News, States are hearing our pleas for proper insurance coverage for Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. Therapists are backing proposals in several states to limit the amount an insurer can require patients to pay for therapy. New York, Pennsylvania, and Missouri have pending proposals currently and lawmakers in South Dakota and Kentucky have already passed these measures. 

While insurance companies worry that these regulations may ultimately increase premiums, as therapists we believe that it may stave off the need for surgeries and further prescription drug treatments potentially reducing overall health costs. 

Are you experiencing the same problems in your practice with patients’ inability to afford treatment? Has this affected the viability of your practice?

Read the full article, “States Consider Limiting Patient Costs for Physical, Speech, Occupational Therapy” and let us know your thoughts! 

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Advice? Challenging Vestibular Case

I sometimes have difficulty calming down symptoms in my vestibular patients. I can usually manage in the clinic, but I would like to give the patient more ideas on what to do at home. I am thinking more of the vertigo-migraine patient during one of their spells at home. I have a few tools that I give patients, but any more ideas, or tips that help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Inger

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Yoga Improves Balance Following Stroke

A VA study, published recently in the journal “Stroke” reveals that starting yoga – even long after your patient suffered a stroke – may noticeably improve their balance. 
VA Study: Yoga Improves Balance Following Stroke

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Learn about new tools to enhance functional outcomes, promote balance and decrease falls with renowned therapist: Tim Dreher

ERI offers Tims course: Clinical Applications of Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga
March 2-3, 2013 – Decatur, GA
May 10-11, 2013 – Staten Island, NY
October 26-27, 2013 – Pembroke Pines, FL
November 22-23, 2013 – Derby, CT

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Child with Oppositional Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Help!

I am a P.T. seeing both children and adult patients. I am seeing a 4 year old child diagnosed with sensory and speech impairments and oppositional disorder. He has shown significant improvement in both sensory and speech areas. His teachers are concerned that he can’t understand other students personal space. He seems to often want to grab them or sit near
them (or even sit on them) and the children ask him to move away or not touch and he doesn’t seem to understand it makes them uncomfortable. Does anybody know any articles or any advise I can give the parents or his teachers. Thank you Jackie P.T.

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Leslie Davidson – Therapy for Post Concussion Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury and Return to Sports

Concussions that lead to TBI can have permanent detrimental effects. Therapy can help.

By now you may have heard the news that former NFL Dallas Cowboys players are suing the NFL over concussions that lead to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The suit has been filed because the players state that the NFL ignored the link between concussions and permanent brain injuries that have lead to dementia and other issues later on in life.

According to the article Ex-Cowboys sue over concussions on ESPN.com, the suit states, “The bottom line is that the NFL has put its profits ahead of the health and well-being of its players.” The NFL, in contrast, states that player safety has long been a priority and by no means did they ever mislead players, stating that the suit has no merit. 

How the suit is settled is going to be up to the courts, however we as physical and occupational therapists as well as athletic trainers know how serious concussions really are. There is no such thing as a “minor” concussion. TBI, or Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical impairments that can be permanent. 

It is our job to get the message out to all athletes young and old about the potential dangers of concussion, the proper way to handle one once they occur and when to recommend when an athlete can return to the field.  

Learn more about post concussion syndrome and literature based guidelines for re-entry to sports and daily activity from TBI expert Leslie Davidson. 
ERI offers her course: Traumatic Brain Injury: Maximizing Functional Outcomes 
March 22-23, 2013 – Fairfax, VA
April 5-6, 2013 – White Plains, NY 

  • How do you get the message out to your community about the potential dangers of concussions? 
  • Is your community open to receiving input from you, the therapist? We recognize that there are regional differences and would like to hear your experience in this arena.
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