Align Networks, a provider of workers’ compensation physical medicine programs, presented a session on delivering better outcomes with physical therapy services at the Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference held in Orlando, Fla. The session, sponsored by Align Networks, a One Call Care Management business unit, was part of a dedicated 4-hour “Physical Therapy Breakout.” The Breakout was the first continuing education event for physical therapists and occupational therapists to be held at the annual conference.

At the session, titled “Understanding the Stakeholders,” a panel consisting of an employer, physician, insurer, and ergonomics expert, shared insights on clear, goal-oriented documentation that is essential to ensure all parties are informed about the injured worker’s progress with physical therapy. In addition, the panel discussed essential job function descriptions that must be established so physical therapy treatment and progress can be measured in terms of the injured worker’s ability to perform his or her job duties.

The panel also examined employment testing, which can result in considerable reduction of injuries and increased retention, mentioning that all employment tests are directly connected to essential job functions, as indicated on an Align Networks news release. Other topics addressed in the session included enhanced documentation for physical therapy services, benefits and disadvantages exercise versus other treatment options, and the management of injured workers who tend be overweight, older, and have comorbidities.

Kim Radcliffe, PT, MHA, president of Align Networks, states, “These presentations and discussions gave physical medicine practitioners, case managers, and adjusters critical new information from experts that will help them achieve better outcomes for the injured workers they treat and manage.”

Radcliffe adds, “We are very happy to have this opportunity to assist in the organization and to be part of the presentations that will drive best practices in the physical medicine profession for years to come.”

[Source: Align Networks]