Am I going about this wrong?

[chrischris]

Ok, in California one is limited to 24 P/T sessions, but extended with employers permission. My PQME recently reported that I would need continued P/T.

My PTP agreed additional P/T would benefit me. My I/C just gave me a Membership to a very nice Medically run Wellness Center/Gym and the authorization said "For self-directed physical therapy".

For now, I am allowed in the Warm Water Therapy Pool only, and they have scheduled me to meet with their Psyciatrist for two visits prior to using any equipment; one for medical assesment and one for FCE.

I am very GRATEFUL to my I/C for authorizing this. My friend thinks I'm walking into a trap and leaving myself open for sub-rosa and am going to be watched like a hawk. I am actually looking at this as a way around the "24" visit cap in P/T. I mean, after 24 sessions or more of P/T, one should be able to "self-direct" their P/T, shouldn't they?

Besides one membership is equal to the cost of one P/T session. There are plenty of staff to help, just like at P/T.

So, what do you think? I want to get as well as I possibly can and I like this.

[1171]

Physical therapy was always meant to be limited and result in self-directed exercise; that's why the therapists do a lot of education.
you can be monitored all they want, as long as it's authorized care, it will have little value other then to document that you are getting the care they are providing. I wouldn't let someone else's worries change what you do.
what's nice is you can use it when you need it, not just when it's scheduled.
enjoy it and keep you doctor advised. with their support it might be something the carrier will continue for awhile.

[chrischris]

Thanks 1171. This facility is open 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. That's good for me because with so many other medical appts. I can go anytime.

My PTP's office called me yesterday to see if I had started yet, and I told the receptionist to thank the doctor for his support and I would give him a report on my next visit.

I have so many things going on it's unreal. It's a full time job to keep track of everything.

Question for you 1171. Once I started feeling better emotionally, I had a long conversation with my PTP about this. It just seems like since then, I've had more positive responses from the I/C. It feels like people within the system are more on "my side" and trying to help me get well. Then again, it may just be my changed view and attitude. So, are C/A's more apt to work with I/W's who have a positive attitude?

Take care!

[1171]

great break-thrus chris. that's fantastic. you are developing some real insights into what's going on with you and others. must have a good therapist.
have others noticed the changes in you?

i think most people respond better to those with a positive attitude - family, friends, co-workers, and adjusters....

one of the great insights from good therapy is just how much we are in control of what we see/perceive and more importantly -- how we respond to them.
continue to practice this level of self-awareness and you will soon start seeing how many others, including adjusters, are not in control.

[bagpussinamerica]

I think this is wonderful. Being able to use a facility like this would be high on my wish list since I know that what ever exercise I try to do, I always feel so much better. I am much in the dark with my own disability, so I no longer have any idea of what I can do that would not cause further pain. But truly, given the chance, I would be doing more at physical therapy.

I have found that when you surround yourself with positive people and a positive environment, I always feel so much better about the future. I am really happy for you. Don't worry about people making documentation. You are an honest person. All that can be seen is that you are doing everything you can to get back to being a healthy person.

[Lilly]

I commend you Chris Chris, on the attempt to take control in helping yourself to get better than you are now, or the best you can be! The I/C has been very gracious IMO.

Take care, and take advantage of the current situation! Lilly

[capricorn]

So happy Chris that things are moving along on a positive road.