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Today is a snowy, cold day in early November. As I sit home trying to find the right story that will assist our patients in taking control of their health, I can’t help but feel disappointed. This is not our typical monthly story about helping a patient overcome their particular injury. McDonald Physical Therapy is being kept out of a number of insurance plans in our area, and that is so frustrating! We would love to help as many people as possible, but we cannot get into some of the insurance plans in our area.

We are a privately-owned physical therapy clinic. We are not part of a New York stock exchange company, and we are not owned by any big corporate acquisition companies. We are 1 of 2 physical therapy private practices left in the Michiana Area. We are also the oldest physical therapy provider in town.

I can’t tell you how many times we continue to see patients with insurance- limited physical therapy visits who have serious back and leg pain and whose needs go beyond their allowed visits. We rarely turn any of these patients away. We work with our patients to help them regain their strength and function as we help them overcome their pain, even when their insurance expires. We have often helped patients avoid back and neck surgery even when we are not in their insurance networks.

So how can we possibly become a provider for your insurance carrier? I was informed last week by a major insurance provider in our area- Community Health Alliance (or CHA), about how we might be able to become part of their network. One of their administrators informed me that their customers or physicians would need to fill out a Provider Request Form if they want their insurance company to know they want more choices of which physical therapy groups to go to. The more people that submit these Provider Request Forms requesting McDonald Physical Therapy to be added, the better our chances of getting into your network becomes.

We hope you will tell your friends and family members if their company insurance is CHA or any other provider that we (McDonald Physical Therapy) are not currently considered in- network, to fill out a Provider Request Form. Here is the link to the CHA form: Provider Request Form This can be mailed or faxed, see the top of the form for details.

This may eventually allow you, your family and friends more choices to help you find better ways to heal and get stronger every day.

Enjoy the journey!
Fran


Avoid Chronic Disease With Regular Physical Activity

Most Americans don’t move enough despite proven benefits, such as reduced risk of cancer and chronic diseases, and improved bone health, cognitive function, weight control, and overall quality of life.
The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans , reports that approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. As a result, many Americans currently have or are likely to experience chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes , obesity , and depression.
The good news is that regular physical activity can prevent and improve many chronic conditions. America, it's time to get moving!
How Much Physical Activity Should I Do?
According to the guidelines, the following is recommended:
  • Preschool-aged children (ages 3 through 5 years) should be physically active at least for 3 hours, if not more. Adult caregivers should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types and limits sitting-around time, such as screen time.
  • Children and adolescents (ages 6 through 17 years) need at least 60 minutes or more of activity a day. This includes activities to strengthen bones, build muscles, and get the heart beating faster.
  • Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, and at least 2 days for muscle-strengthening activities. Adding more time provides further benefits.
  • Older adults (ages 65 and older) should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week and include muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week. You should also add components, such as balance training as well. If you have limitations due to preexisting conditions, consult with a health care provider and be as physically active as your abilities allow.
  • Pregnant and postpartum women who were physically active before pregnancy can continue these activities during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but they should consult their health care provider about any necessary adjustments.
  • Adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities, who are able, should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. You should consult with a health care provider about the types and amounts that are appropriate for you.
How a Physical Therapist Can Help
Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.
After making a diagnosis, physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that help their patients improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic disease.
Physical therapists empower people to be active participants in their own treatment, and they work collaboratively with other health professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care

**article from choosept.com
MPT Happenings

Thank you to all that voted and selected us Best Physical Therapy for the 11th year in a row!!

MPT was also 2nd for Orthopedic Group, 2nd Fitness Center/Gym and 1st for Weight Loss Center. Also for Work Place we were 1st Best Benefits-small, 1st Best Company Culture-small and Best Overall Place to Work-small.
McDonald Physical Therapy
(574) 233-5754