A. We have attempted to become a Community Health Alliance (CHA) Preferred Provider through Memorial Hospital . Because more people are asking for a choice, the decisions of CHA may be revisited., We encourage you as an individual or company, to join local physicians, orthopedic specialists, and neurosurgeons in supporting our request for full participation in this plan.

Q. Can I receive physical therapy at your facility if you are not a Preferred Provider for my plan? How much more will it cost me?

A. This depends on the plan involved. For example, if you are a member of a PPO and receive an 80/20 benefit, their services could still be more expensive than if you came to us out-of- network and received a 70/30 benefit. We check the benefits for every patient, especially those who are out-of-network. We provide a benefit analysis so you can make a more informed decision.

Q. Do you see workers' compensation patients?

A. Yes. 25% of our patients are workers' comp. Because of our sports injury background, we treat the worker as an industrial athlete. This approach gets workers back to work faster and keeps them healthier on the job. One of our major contributions to local companies is our prevention programs. These programs, including our “90-second stretch”, have an extraordinary impact in reducing workplace injuries.

Q. Do you perform functional capacity evaluations (FCEs)?

A. Yes. We have looked at many FCE's and have found the best program is the Isernhagen Work Systems FCE. Susan Isernhagen, the woman who coined the phrase ‘Functional Capacity Evaluation', has done her “homework.” This comprehensive FCE is based solely on functionality with little degree of subjectivity. It has proven helpful to the company who requests one, and it is of major benefit to the worker as well. It allows us not only to know what the worker cannot do at work but, more importantly, what they can do and insures confident and safe performance.

Q. I want to come to McDonald Physical Therapy but you are not in my plan. Why?

A. Two factors contribute to our frustrations in this area. For changes to come about, we need your help.

Many of us think we have little control over our health care. Many of us just go where ever the present system takes us. The quality of our patient care should give you good reason to stand up for your families' health care needs. And remember, above all, you do have a choice.

Bear in mind that by contacting the human resource department or insurance director of your company, you can question why McDonald Physical Therapy is not one of your physical therapy choicesand maybe affect positive change.

Q. Why is MCDONALD PHYSICAL THERAPY not in my insurance plan?

A. When patients ask this question they are frequently led to believe that:

•  McDonald Physical Therapy does not want to be in their plan.

•  The insurance plan does not pay enough to make it worthwhile to participate.

Both of these statements are untrue. Let us set the record straight. We are not allowed into some plans, so we are presently not in your insurance plans. Fortunately, lately, we are hearing this question less often from our patients.

Q. When will MEMORIAL HOSPITAL and MCDONALD PHYSICAL THERAPY work together in the Community Health Alliance INSURANCE PLAN?

A. Healthcare and insurance are a business, Memorial has informed us that they have studied our organization and realize we are exceptional in the areas of orthopedics, sports and spine treatment, and our services are very cost effective. It is for these reasons that they may, with your help, allow us in their insurance programs, eventually.

Q. HAS ANY COMPANY BEEN ABLE TO affect CHANGE in THEIR INSURANCE PLAN AND GET MCDONALD PHYSICAL THERAPY added to THEIR PLAN?

A. Three companies have been able to enroll us in their insurance plan. In one case, it was the result of the owner/CEO wanting to come to our clinic. These companies pushed hard and did get their respective insurance companies to carve our clinic into their company's insurance plan.

Q. WHAT IS THE GREATEST FRUSTRATION you have CONCERNING the patient and MCDONALD PHYSICAL THERAPY?

A. Our biggest frustration is when a patient whom we have helped in the past is forced to direct their care away from our facility. Whether it is a physician group that has their own physical therapy facility or an insurance company that limits access to us, we hope that you know you have a choice to go where you want to go. More and more patients are directed to physician or hospital owned physical or occupational therapy programs. YOU HAVE A CHOICE! Do not let them direct you away from us just because you do not feel comfortable insisting on seeing us.

Thank you for choosing McDonald Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Center .

This web site designed and maintained by Doxia Web Design
©2005 All Rights Reserved