While only 603 participated in a virtual healthcare rally done by APTA, it is certainly a good start and a unique way to get the troops corraled. It is also laudable that the collaterals and position of PT perspective in healthcare reform have been published. Unfortunately, they provide as much excitement as the fine print on a mattress tag.
We have documented in the past that what is missing from these efforts is the advocating for the wrong audience. Reform is supposed to be about addressing societal needs.
While I acknowledge that I have more questions than solutions for these complicated issues, let’s get some strategic thinkers, marketing experts, and PR folks engaged in the content development and it’s presentation. As PT’s, we can’t hang our hat on a host of legislative success in recent years-particularly the big issues like direct access in medicare which is going on approx 10 years and the eliminating the medicare cap which has probably been around longer than fax machines. So how about a different approach?
Some questions:
Why instead of writing in language clearly meant for lobbyists and healthcare wonks don’t we write something that every American can understand and something that resonates with the day to day patient care lives of PT’s?
Why is wellness and prevention the highlight and apparently the priority? How many PT’s actually do the example cited in the document of “for patients who are obese, physical therapists develop programs that can balance the progression of exercises with the need for joint protection and safety”?
How about how PT’s can help the approx 50 million without insurance by being used in the much needed role of musculoskeletal evaluator and extender of care for primary care physicians? Why shouldn’t we use great examples like US military system, sports medicine, and many employers models where PT’s are the front line? Aren’t PT’s capable of assisting in the innovative solutions like this Fast Company article points out about Walgreens?
What about supporting policy that addresses a principle driver of healthcare costs-notably conflict of interest that is well documented and highlighted in current discussions on healthcare regarding imaging but there is seldom a mention of PT and other over utlilizers like DME and surgical centers? We could provide well documented examples and although it is far too late, provide funding for research in this area (note to Foundation for Physical Therapy-very disappointed in the lack of funding i after raising money for this clearly identified high priority effort only to have it put back on the backburner where it will undoubtedly be too little too late).
The mention of comparative effectiveness research is great but please bring it to life. What about the utilization rates in spine surgery and the cost effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for LBP and knee osteoarthritis? Perhaps a few testimonials? Can we find a consultant who writes informercials?
Why even mention PQRI? It’s adoption rate by PT’s is dismal and the program is a reimbursement cut for any of the disgruntled that are participating.
I sincerely hope there is a next rally-with materials and a strategy that is exciting and can create exponential numbers of PT’s carrying the banner of being part of the solution to healthcare by understanding the needs of the real stakeholders-the millions of those that are without insurance and the hi costs to those that provide insurance to their employees.
Thoughts?
