Hello to all our friends,
Since Covid, the question I receive so often from patients is, “Why do I have to wait so long to get a referral to see a physical therapist from my doctor?” They talk about their pain and how long they have had to put up with it. They are frustrated, especially when we help them quickly. Their complaints are valid. Many studies have proven patients heal faster, have less days of pain and get back to their normal life more quickly if they go to physical therapy promptly. So, why does the patient have to wait to get a referral from their doctor?
This may surprise most of you, but patients don’t have to wait for their doctor to refer them or send a prescription to physical therapy! The law was changed in 2013! Any patient can go into a physical therapist’s office and be seen any time they want. Most insurances will cover this. Legally, a patient can see a physical therapist up to 42 days before having to be sent to a doctor.
Two weeks ago, a patient came into our clinic, prior to visiting his doctor. He had fallen on his left shoulder, knew it wasn't broken, and wanted me to examine him. He had pain with certain overhead movements and had some difficulty sleeping. He wanted to know if he should go see his family physician or an orthopedic surgeon.
After examining his shoulder, I gave him a few exercises and told him he should do well without seeing either physician. I called him 10 days later to follow up and was pleased to hear that he had no more pain. He thanked me and said that it was unfortunate that I wasn't a doctor. He brought up that we should be marketing McDonald Physical Therapy to be the first provider seen if a person has shoulder, back or neck pain, as well as any kind of muscle strain. He made it clear that we needed to get this message out to the public.
This article was prompted by his advice. This is one of many patient success stories we've been involved in since the law changed in July of 2013, where patients have been able to come directly to us with a physical problem. Very little, if any, of a physician’s training includes the study of physical therapy so, often, physicians are unaware of how we can be an essential part of helping patients beyond just pre- and post-surgery.
I did tell my patient that I do have my doctorate. It is not an MD, by any means, but we physical therapists, are required to get our Doctor of Physical Therapy, (DPT) degree. I prefer to be addressed by my first name, though. We, physical therapists, are experts in the world of movement, strength, conditioning and the function of muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, etc.
So, how might this new information help you in your life? If you have muscle pain in your back, neck, hip, leg, ankle, etc., or a problem walking, getting in and out of a chair or car, getting up and down stairs, you should consider seeing one of our physical therapists. They will be able to examine and assist you, often solving your issue and/or easing your pain, yet when necessary, directing you to another medical provider. We will help you find direction and a plan to regain your strength, balance and endurance, as you work your way back to your normal activities.
We hope you are enjoying this mild winter! If you need direction for any sprains, strains, endurance or movement issues, please call and get examined. You will be back on track faster than you might imagine!
Enjoy the journey,
Fran McDonald President/CEO
