April 2019
(318) 443-3311
www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
ELITE Physical Therapy Lagniappe
World Health Day Celebrates Access to Health Care for All
This month, we celebrate World Health Day on April 7. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on universal health coverage with the goal of ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services when and where they need them. This goal encompasses the full spectrum of services — from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. This is an opportunity for us as physical therapists to raise awareness about the crucial role our profession plays in keeping people healthy, mobile, and independent. It’s also a great time to highlight how more people have access now to the health benefits of physical therapy through Direct Access. Maybe you’ve tweaked your back while trying to work in the yard quickly so you could catch the end of the Masters. Maybe you’ve pushed yourself a little too hard preparing for your next race, and that ache in your knee won’t go away, even after a couple days off. Maybe you simply took a funny step off the curb and are feeling a little twinge in your ankle. Sometimes when you’re suffering from an ache, pain, or injury, you have a pretty good idea of what caused it. That’s not always the case, but when it is, it is best to get treated right away. It can be frustrating to jump through hoops (and spend hard-earned dollars) to get to your treatment. Wouldn’t it be better if you could just go see a physical therapist?
Luckily, you can — it’s called Direct Access.
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Provides access to physical therapy services without a physician referral or prescription.
Direct Access is exactly what it sounds like: an immediate connection to physical therapy services. Louisiana is a Direct Access state, which means you don’t need a physician referral or prescription to receive the services of physical therapists. You can start treatment the minute you feel pain! As a Direct Access provider, the Elite Physical Therapy team can utilize our skills and training to offer treatment and prevent future issues. Our physical therapists personally evaluate each patient’s condition and identify ways to resolve and improve issues. Our PTs are also trained to recognize the red flags that signal further care is needed from other medical professionals. If we recognize the need, we’ll suggest a referral so you can get the necessary care. We can also send our results to your physician and work in conjunction with them to provide you with the best possible treatment. Most insurance providers cover Direct Access, with the exception of Medicare and a small number of providers who may require prior authorization before services. We’ll check with your insurance provider first to make sure.
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Reduces opioid use through the use of mechanics, not pain pills.
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Keeps more Louisiana physical therapy students in Louisiana’s workforce. On average, PT schools lose 20 percent of graduates to out-of-state jobs. They are trained to practice in Direct Access states (national board exam), and this bill will now keep them at home in Louisiana.
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Provides you with prompt attention and service.
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Let’s you choose your physical therapy provider.
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Allows you to be your own health care advocate.
In celebrating WHD and access to healthcare for all, we celebrate your right to physical therapy services for all your health care needs! If there are any aches, pains, or injuries that are bothering you this spring, give us a call. Your team at ELITE is here for you!
–Bart Jones & Don Cassano
WHAT DIRECT ACCESS MEANS FOR YOU:
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Reduces health care costs for patients and for Louisiana.
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 1
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