So there has been a good deal of underground rumbling going on in the PT world this week. Because I like to be well informed (i.e. I’m a nerd), I participate in all sorts of social media to stay on top of things. Using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow me to “talk” with people all over the world and hear about trends. The trend I am paying attention to this week is that PT’s in private practice are mad! And you, the consumer/patient, should be mad too! Why should you be mad? Because no one fully explains your rights to you as a patient, and things are going on that affect you, and you have no idea about it! The issues that affect you and your ability to access the health insurance you pay for every month include the following: 1) You have a choice of where you want to receive physical therapy. Your doctor can make a recommendation, but cannot require you to go to a specific PT clinic (especially one that he/she owns). This is actually illegal; but, it happens all the time. If I had a dollar for every time a patient told me, “I had no idea I could go somewhere else” I would be a rich woman. When your doctor recommends physical therapy (or when you ask your doctor for a physical therapy referral, which is also your right as a patient), they can give you a list of options for your care. They can also mention that they have a physician owned physical therapy clinic (POPTS) next door or across town, but they cannot require you to receive your therapy there. emergency same day loansforeign country would 2) If you want to see a therapist who does not participate with insurance companies, call your […]
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