We all love choices. You don’t think so? Ever go into an gelato (I’m part Italian) or ice cream shop and they only have one flavor? Or a piece of clothing that you find and love but they only have it in one size – not yours? I love choices and most likely so do you.
What has come to my attention over the past week from different physical therapists that I know is very, very unsettling. And, it isn’t just happening around us…it is happening throughout America. Medical providers are with-holding prescriptions to physical therapy unless the patient goes only to their own clinic. These “medical providers” are cheating You of Choices.
One, in the State of Virginia it is ILLEGAL to require a patient to go to a certain facility for treatment, especially when they own it or have financial interest/gains if you go there. It is called the Stark Law (http://www.starklaw.org/). So in the State of Virginia, You can choose where You want to go for Your medical care, even if the piece of paper or prescription says someone else’s name on it. Like accepting competitors coupons at your local grocery store.
Two, You may already have a trusting and long-standing relationship with another physical therapist that you don’t want to re-create. You have a history with a provider that knows you so well that you don’t have to verbalize everything. You enjoy the environment where the provider practices. Or, you want to go to a facility where you have been recommended by friends, family, and/or a confidant where they had success. Doesn’t matter what the reason, it is Your Choice.
Three, the “medical providers” that only refer to their clinic may be putting their profit ahead of Your health. With margins in the medical field getting smaller and smaller every year, medical groups are trying to get every advantage. Why do you think that over the past 15+ years medical groups now have their own physical therapy clinics where as they didn’t before? I’ll let you come to your own conclusion. Your smarter than me anyway.
Finally, It Is Your Right to Choose! As we always say…It’s Your Body – It Is Your Choice. You, for the most part, know Your body better than anyone. You also know what is the most conducive environment to optimize Your healing. If You know all these things, shouldn’t it be Your Choice on how to recover? We think so as well. We have had people come into our clinic and after meeting with them, realize that we are not a good fit for them. We offer them additional options and make sure that they continue on their road to recovery. We put Your health ahead of us making money – a mantra since we opened our doors!
On the counter-argument, the “medical provider” facility may have nice staff, facility, staff trained in “their special way” (which is really not that special otherwise they would sell the system and retire early), and/or the most amazing healing device since sliced bread but to withhold treatment because you want to go elsewhere is unethical – I guess they missed that class during their medical training. Hmmmmmmm.
So if this has happened to You…I’m going to give you 2 options if You desire physical therapy. One, in the State of Virginia (as well as many other states), we have direct access. This means You can come to physical therapy directly without the need for a referral from a medical provider. This empowers You to be proactive of Your health. Two, get a physical therapy referral from another medical provider.
Remember, You do have Choices…even when not given one. If You are seeking physical therapy for a pain, injury, or a limitation that is affecting Your life and You seemed to have hit a roadblock, call us – we may be able to give You a Choice that You are looking for and need. The only Choice You should not make is to do nothing! Until we chat again, Be Well and…
Go Adventuring!
Sasha
ps: Between vanilla or chocolate gelato/ice cream – which one would you choose?
pss: If you found this *, be the first to call, give the four digit code and you will win a prize. Need to come to the clinic by Tuesday (5/7/19) to claim it in person.
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Now back to your regularly scheduled programming…
