| Today we have Terry L. Whipple, MD, Chief of | | | | therapy-compromised result for him, but I lose |
| Orthopedics at American Self, author of several | | | | productivity in new patient visits, subpar outcomes and |
| journal articles and textbooks, inventor and patent | | | | possibly development of chronic pain conditions. |
| holder, entrepreneur, businessman and last but not | | | | Q- How does TPT address this problem? |
| least, vigorous patient advocate. | | | | A- Patients can now have a home based active |
| Dr. Whipple is here to discuss Transitional Physical | | | | therapeutic experience every day. With a DVD I |
| Therapy, a DVD. | | | | address correct rehabilitation exercise techniques |
| Q- What is TPT? | | | | affecting recovery more consistently, inexpensively |
| A- TPT is a rehabilitation concept on DVD that | | | | and independently. My patients are now engaged in |
| empowers patients to manage their own full | | | | making outpatient PT more personally beneficial. They |
| recuperation from surgery or injuries and return to | | | | are more accountable. They do this for themselves. |
| independent function. It supplements or extends | | | | And because it's on their own schedule, they are more |
| supervised physical therapy that is limited by insurance | | | | likely to comply. |
| allowances. And it stimulates patient recovery in their | | | | I can now recommend 1-2 PT visits for 8-10 weeks. I |
| own home settings, using common household objects | | | | decrease my frequency but increase duration if my |
| without professional equipment to gain the mobility | | | | patients need it because they have varied but |
| strength and balance needed for work and play. | | | | beneficial therapy routines each day. It also allows for |
| Q- Are patient's denied Therapy today? | | | | better utilization of our therapists. |
| A- Denied, no. Limited, yes. I've been in practice over | | | | Q- How did the concept develop? |
| 25 years and there are several realities we face. First, | | | | A- I met with the principles of OrthoCareRN; the |
| when patients are released from physical therapy they | | | | nation's only dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation |
| usually aren't fully recovered to resume normal lifestyle. | | | | Home Health Agency. Their patient care experience |
| Therapy continuation as an out-of-pocket expense is | | | | confirmed the deficiencies I found. We needed to |
| prohibitive. Compliance with and correct techniques for | | | | address cost, convenience, compliance and motivation |
| home exercise programs (HEP) are inadequate. We | | | | in optimizing patient outcomes. I believe we |
| believe the value of Xerox copies of exercises is | | | | accomplished this as well as assisting physicians with |
| wishful thinking. Patients and employers have too many | | | | their productivity. |
| expectations and too little guidance. Patients need a | | | | Q- What exercises are on the DVD? |
| transition period. | | | | A- We address the recovery process for each group |
| Q- Should APTA revisit its own recommendations? | | | | the DVD covers. There is a variety of exercises for |
| A- No, but as providers we should understand the | | | | patient ability and preference, each with demonstration |
| different treatment modalities as well as limitations our | | | | for perfect technique. For example, our Spine DVD is |
| patients experience. Under the best insurance | | | | appropriate for everything from chronic lumbago to |
| coverage possible, patients are asked for $90 a week | | | | discectomy and fusion. The Knee DVD is designed for |
| in co-pays for up to 6 six weeks. This can lead to two | | | | patients with any knee injury, surgical procedure or |
| potential problems: patients dropping out of therapy | | | | replacement. Hip covers joint replacement and |
| limiting recovery and development of complications | | | | fractures. All cover arthritis. Each DVD focuses on the |
| from too much demand too soon in the workplace, | | | | essential components of comprehensive therapy- |
| playing field or home. Re-injuries are compounding and | | | | SSSRB: stretching, strength, stamina, reflexes and |
| expensive...and frustrating to the patient. | | | | balance. |
| Q- What's the economic impact to our patients? | | | | Q- Why the Home Setting? |
| A- Chronic pain conditions from incomplete rehabilitation | | | | A- People today turn to their DVD players for |
| can severely limit function. Productivity drops and | | | | education, fitness, entertainment. It addresses the |
| absenteeism increases. Loss of income is no less | | | | convenience factor our busy lifestyles demand. How |
| important than repeated co-payments for additional | | | | often can a parent leave his or her work, family and |
| medical or therapy visits. Self-esteem is diminished. | | | | social obligations for a two hour trip to therapy three |
| We all see patients returning to clinic with the same | | | | times a week. It's no wonder compliance is |
| complaint 6-12 months following discharge. I've found | | | | compromised when convenience is an issue. And |
| the vast majority dropped out of therapy because of | | | | done right, no expensive professional training or |
| cost, inconvenience, inefficient or non-productive | | | | exercise equipment is necessary. The DVD shows |
| sessions. | | | | how to use everyday household items for benefit. |
| Q- What's the economic impact to your practice? | | | | Q- What role can a physical therapist play? |
| A- Repeat and extended visits by those same | | | | A- They understand this situation better than most. If |
| patients cost me and my practice in new referrals, | | | | patients can't afford to visit my clinic we can't expect |
| time for new patients, and reputation. Consider the | | | | them to afford PT clinics. |
| patient that can't continue outpatient | | | | |