View Full Version : Can you return to physical therapy?
I received outpatient physical therapy for several months after I was discharged from the rehab center. It ended when the therapist decided that I no longer showed improvement.
Although I was injured 6 years ago, I've been working out for a few months. I have gained some strength and ROM. I think it might be beneficial to return to PT.
Five years ago, my doctor told me I could return to PT in the future. Was that just a line to keep me from protesting at the time? Has insurance ever paid to return a person with SCI to physical therapy several years after the injury?
marmalady
04-16-2003, 03:17 AM
Yes, you can return. The two reasons the doc used for my son were firstly, after a long bout in bed with a pressure sore, for reconditioning, and then a run of both OT/PT when it looked like he was getting some tricep return.
If you can get your physiatrist to justify it, I think you have a good chance to get some more PT. Good Luck!
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Tough times don't last - tough people do.
SCI-Nurse
04-16-2003, 07:50 AM
The key is to get the proper letter of justification from your physician. For most insurances, including Medicare, the kiss of death in a letter of justification is to use the word "maintain" or "maintenance", as most insurances will not cover what they consider maintainance (this includes range of motion exercises, exercise to maintain strength or self care or mobility skills, etc.).
The physician needs to describe the goals of therapy that have to do with increase FUNCTION. Strengthening alone without describing how such strengthening will make you more independent in self care and mobility will probably not be approved.
Most physiatrists are pretty skilled already at writing these letters, but discuss the points above with your physician when discussing with them your desire to get more therapy.
Keep in mind that you may only get approved for a very limited number of visits. Maximize the benefits by having the therapist teach you a home program that you can continue after your benefits run out.
(KLD)