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What types of patients do you normally see?
Primarily, I see patients who are recovering from soft tissue injuries.
Patients may be recovering from automobile accidents, surgeries, and sports
injuries, to name just a few. If you have a patient that you are unsure if
I can treat, please call and ask. Top
Why should I send my patients to Optima Clinic?
I will insist that your patients keep all of their appointments with you.
They can come see me only if they are current with your plan of care. Only on those
areas covered by your prescription will be treated, because I know there are reasons
for your diagnosis, and reasons why you might omit other areas.
Your patients will receive focused soft tissue techniques to increase range
of motion and decrease pain. They will receive a detailed evaluation at the time
of the initial visit and a re-evaluation at the end of each subsequent prescription.
You will receive copies of those reports to help you track your patient's progress.
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What should I expect for my patients from a massage session at Optima Clinic?
During their first session, your patient's situation will be assessed.
The initial evaluation of your patient's condition may include a series of range of
motion tests, postural and palpatory assessment, and an evaluation of the patient's
stage of healing. They will also be checked for contraindications to massage. When this
initial evaluation is complete, I will plan treatment based on your diagnoses and
the my findings. You will receive a copy of this initial evaluation and plan. If at any time
you decide that the patient is ready for treatment of other body areas, you can download
the prescription form, fill it out with the new information, and fax it to me.
Following the evaluation, if there are no contraindications, the patient will
receive treatment. Depending on your patient's stage of healing and your prescription,
this may consist of regular massage, heat/cold therapy or topical pain relief
preparations, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, assisted stretching
without active resistance, neuromuscular therapy, muscle-energy techniques (MET),
myofascial release, or other manual therapies.
I will not treat any area that does not have a soft tissue diagnosis code
provided by you.
At the end of each prescription, your patient will receive a re-evaluation and a copy
of the report will be sent to you. Monthly progress reports may also be sent, depending
on the length of the prescription, to help you determine your patient's progress. I may
occasionally call you regarding the patient's progress, and I will be available for you
to do the same. Top
Why should I use your form instead of my regular prescription form?
Some physicians will prefer to use their own prescription forms. However,
my prescription form
has all of the information needed to properly handle a prescribed case so I don't have to delay
treatment or contact you multiple times for clarification on diagnosis codes or procedures.
Massage therapists are licensed as ancillary providers. We are required to have proof
of prescription, referral, and medical necessity from a primary care physician, or
insurance companies may deny payment on the claims. If you still wish to use your
prescription form, that is satisfactory. Top
How can I specify length of treatment?
Length of treatment is determined by the areas diagnosed by you for treatment.
On each date of service, a maximum of two physical medicine CPT procedures (15 minutes each)
per body area, with a maximum of four total CPT codes per date of service, may be billed
to insurance.
The three body areas that are considered standard for physical medicine billing are the
axial skeleton, upper extremities, and lower extremities. Four total CPT codes would require
that a minimum of two or more body areas are diagnosed to be treated. If three body areas
are diagnosed for treatment, the maximum CPT usage is still limited to four.
To avoid issues with CPT codes and insurance payment, patients should not schedule
physical therapy, chiropractic care or massage therapy on the same day.
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My patient is receiving physical therapy. Should I also prescribe massage now?
That is up to you, but some physicians find that by prescribing both physical therapy
and massage, their patients improve much more quickly.
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How can I reach you?
If you have any questions or comments about Optima Clinic sessions, or about your patients' cases,
please call or email. If I don't answer the phone when you call during regular
business hours, I am likely with a patient. Please leave me a message, and I will return
your call as soon as possible. Top
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