I believe that the use of the word 'function' in the realms of PT is strictly related to physical/ physiological functioning. PTs use CPT codes 97535, 97537 for their clients as well, as they do address self care needs or community/ work integration needs with activities such as, donning/ doffing a BK prosthesis, or wheelchair mobility at work/ mall, etc..
However, the very word "occupational" added to therapy, should enable us and the public to view it as interventions to facilitate any and all activities/ functions done to "occupate" one-self appropriately in selfcare, work, play or leisure.....this includes not only physical functioning, but mental and emotional functioning as well, to live life wholly. I do not believe that OTs are any less trained to handle the physical dysfunctions than any other professionals. OTs are equipped with the skills and, must look further than the physical aspects of dysfunctions that lead to occupational limitations/ deprivation. By sheer census, most OTs today work with physical dysfunctions versus psychiatry or developmental disorders. To address the "occupational dysfunctions" due to physical causes, one has to address those as well. I am with Jimmie and Lori and agree that modalities/ tools of any kind- exercise, PAMS, splinting, AE should be encompassed to facilitate the client to function in an "occcupationally independent" and safe environment. Modalities/ tools are just that...they cannot be the sole treatment by themselves. Ron et al: maybe we can discuss mock cases and then put forward our arguments as why or why not OT is needed and how to diffferentiate between an OT and an UE PT? ( How come LE OTs do not exist?) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jimmie Arcenaux" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 1:56 PM Subject: RE: [OTlist] what is OT? > Lori, > I too use modalities infrequently (approximately less than 10% of my > patients), but feel the use of modalities can be incorporated into OT > practice. In fact, at my work site I am in the process of training our PT > staff to properly utilize therapeutic modalities. We have had a reoccurring > problem with patient's requesting early d/c from therapy secondary to pain > complaints. Under further review I noted that the PTs and OTs were not > addressing the pain prior to attempting tasks which would undoubtedly > increase the severity of pain complaints. I am addressing this with pain > management instruction which includes the use of modalities, relaxation > training, energy conservation, work simplification, joint protection, > posture, and body mechanics. > Jimmie > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 11:21 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [OTlist] what is OT? > > Dear Jimmie- > I told you this was an issue in the past. Now, you see what I mean. I say > we are trained in school and licensed in our states to do it, then it is OT. > AOTA approves, NBCOT approves, states approve(of course some require > additional training). So, it is OT!!!! > Lori > > In a message dated 8/7/2003 8:07:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > > I really struggle with OT's using thermoelectric modalities. > > > > Please understand that I have used e-stim, tens, hot/cold, etc as part > > of my treatment plans. And as you say, all of these were intended to > > improve function. Of course, the PT's doing similar > > treatments also > > said that they were trying to improve function. > > > *****************************��********************************** > > To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, 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] > > *****************************��*********************************** > > > *****************************��********************************** > > To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, 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] > > *****************************��*********************************** > *****************************��********************************** To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, 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] *****************************��***********************************
