1. Medicare direct access for OT ( I saw that this was discussed earlier, wanted to see what the reactions were now)
Medicare direct access is not likely to happen in the immediate future due to intense political pressure against it from physicians and gatekeepers. That being said, it remains critical for our profession to keep our eye on the ball. Should physical therapists gain direct access through Medicare, it could have far reaching consequences to occupational therapy. If constrained by the 30 day recert requirement and physician visit, occupational therapy could find itself severely disadvantaged by direct access to physical therapists. Coupled with the expanded scope of practice promulgated by the APTA, our profession would be greatly hindered should direct access be provided to PT. I repeat, While I am relatively sure such legislation could not pass, the current climate of reducing costs to the federal healthcare system could change that. I have introduced a motion to this year's representative assembly directing AOTA to introduce similar legislation should the PT legislation be introduced again this year. While I am extremely reluctant to follow the typical OT chasing PT history, I believe this protective step is important. 2. Entry-level doctoral program for OT All it is is marketing to attract students in an otherwise very competitive market for enrollment. I believe it is the wrong direction for our profession and demeans the efforts and honors granted to those who seek and earn true doctorates. I recognize why programs are doing this and I hope they incorporate educational standards consistent with the degree. My biggest concern is with the fallout from BBA97 which continues to keep our academic programs under-enrolled. Coupling this with the move to an entry level masters follewed by the quick descent to a doctorate may likely cause a double dip in enrollment as fewer applicants are doctorate prepared. I know that the physical therapists harbor hopes of gaining prescriptive authority under the doctorate but frankly I would be surprised to see that happen. To be brutally honest, I don't think either of our current academic curriculums prepare us to be a primary care provider and I, for one, would not want the responsibility of diagnosis (not to mention the malpractice insurance) for patient care. PT's would argue that Chiropractors have prescriptive authority and it has promoted their profession greatly. Personally I can't speak to the preparation of chiropractors vs physical or occupational therapists to make diagnoses but would be interested to hear from others who can make the comparison better than I can. 3. PTs claim on function as well. I have never been too worked up about this one. In my facility OT's and PT's work quite interchangably (hospital acute care) Each works from their theoretical roots and I think having the freedom to not break patients down by body areas or modalities is empowering to our professions. If a PT feels working on ADL's will enhance range of motion, balance, and strength, this is of benefit to the patient. If an OT feels increasing strength, range of motion, and balance will increase independence in self care, these treatments should be incorporated into the treatment plan. Where the potential danger lies is when one profession or the other attempts to justify their intervention as superceding the need for the other. This overly simplifies the role of each profession unfairly. Any OT who feels training in self care is the true goal of what we do is not addressing the true role of OT which is to instill a sense of accomplishment, independence, and autonomy that can't exist when unable to meet their personal needs. I know I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but I get frustrated when OT's fall into the cookbook role of quantifying independence as being able to carry out self care. This is merely an indicator of the true goal as referenced above. Personally I don't believe a PT can address this component of rehabilitation nearly as effectively as an OT. But that doesn't mean they can't use self care and function as a treatment intervention to accomplish their PT goals. Long windedly yours Redge L Campbell MS OTR/L Director of Rehabilitation Services Harrison Hospital Bremerton, WA 98310 360.792.6531 *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *********��***********
