Wellmark pilot program shows physical therapy as
cost effective, quality treatment for patients with musculoskeletal
conditions
ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 23, 2009 — In the wake of a report
showing that patients with musculoskeletal conditions who receive
physical therapy and other "physical medicine" services incur lower
costs, fare better, and are less likely to have surgery than
patients who do not receive such services, the American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) is urging Congress to include policies in health care
reform that increase access to physical therapy services, especially for
America's seniors who live in rural areas.
The Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield 2008 pilot program, a quality
improvement program for Iowa and South Dakota physical medicine
providers, collected data from 238 physical therapists, occupational
therapists, and chiropractors who provided care to 5,500 Wellmark
members with musculoskeletal disorders.
The data showed that 89% of the Wellmark members treated in the pilot
reported a greater than 30% improvement in 30 days. In addition,
Wellmark claims data for members who received care from physical
therapists or chiropractors was compared with data for a member
population with similar demographics (including health) who did not
receive such services. The comparison showed that those who received
physical therapy or chiropractic care were less likely to have surgery
and experienced lower total health care costs.
"This pilot program shows how physical therapy can be a solution in
health care reform to lower costs, especially for individuals with
musculoskeletal impairments," said APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT,
PhD. "Improving access to high quality, cost-effective physical therapy
services should be a priority for Congressional leaders as they debate
health care reform. We encourage the House and Senate to pass
legislation, such as the amendment that Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
has offered to the Senate Finance Committee's proposal, which would
eliminate the mandated physician referral or certification of the plan
of care for Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas who seek physical
therapy services." Ward added, "Patients in many areas of the country
may struggle -- and patients in rural areas are particularly burdened --
with limited access to qualified health care professionals. This
amendment will advance the objectives of health care delivery
reform."
The Wellmark pilot offers policymakers continued support for
innovative care delivery models that provide high-quality care at
reduced costs, said APTA. The association supports using such models to
evaluate their feasibility under federal programs, such as Medicare and
the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery or the side
effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of
physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can
treat and find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.