In what I would deem as perhaps the best article on the financial and clinical efficacy of physical therapy in initial treatment of LBP ever to hit the mainstream press, we have this from WSJ entitled “A Novel Plan Helps Hospital Wean Itself Off of Pricey Tests”.(available for 7 days for non-subscribers).

This pointed article, describes the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle’s patient focused approach to cutting costs in treating expensive ailments including the use of hi-tech tests and specialists.  They became successful as their own worst enemy (providing cost-effective care results in less revenue and less profits in our perverse fee for service system).  The good news is that they have been able to get a few payors to recognize their efficiency and reward them financially for the savings (side note:  CMS was not one of them who rewarded based on their inflexibility).

The article thru both words and illustration describe a case in point-Physical Therapy and Low Back Pain.  Solution:  Go to the PT first!!!  It eliminates unnecessary tests, costs, and provides a successful outcome.  What a novel idea and perhaps the best gift as this profession has ever received by the WSJ.  The article accurately points out that medical literature supports this treatment approach and they have convinced many employers to follow this pathway (including Starbucks-this may actually convince me to switch from my favorite Dunkin Donuts to a major employer who supports PT as the front line of LBP).

And guess what-they convinced Aetna to increase PT reimbursement from $42 to $49 per 15 minutes (that is correct-“per 15 minutes” as opposed to the below our cost rates for a full treatment session that some of the MMM are proposing).  I don’t know Ms. Annette King, but I want her negotiating my PT rates.

We need a focused effort to get this information thru a large PR campaign into the hands of payors, employers, and consumers.

This is a great way to start the New Year.

Larry