Health Plan Joins With Physical Therapy Facility to Manage Back and Neck Pain

MANAGED CARE June 2008. ©MediMedia USA

Capital Health Plan achieved a 79% improvement in pain scores and a 54% improvement in function scores for its members

Charles M. Tomlinson, MD

Vice president for medical affairs, John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital

Chad Gray, PT

Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy

Tom Kane, PT

Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy

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Abstract

Twenty-five billion dollars is spent each year on the medical care of back pain, and $50 billion is lost in productivity. Primary care physicians might have difficulty providing thorough counseling and treatment to their patients about the condition. In 2006, Capital Health Plan (CHP) partnered with Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, which employed the mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) technique. After undergoing this technique, members experienced a 79% improvement in pain scores and a 54% improvement in function scores, compared to when they started treatment.