Evidence that PT has hit the "big time"

While watching my second favorite TV show, The Sopranos (second only to 24 due to its irregularity in seasons), I was quite suprised to see physical therapy highlighted.  Here was the scenario:

Tony, head of the family, has been shot in the abdomen by his old, confused Uncle Junior (accident vs. another attempt by Junior to prove his craziness and get an insanity plea during his forthcoming and everlasting trial?).  The Family and particularly his misguided loyal wife, Carmella, stands vigil while the "Boss" is in a coma.  Carmella when asked by one of the family members, tells how tough it is and paricularly how the ****** insurance company has denied PHYSICAL THERAPY!  (how would you like to be at that end of a pre-auth?).   Later in the episode, one of the family members hands Carmella a package of bills obtained by a major score of a Columbian drug ring  (10% or 100K which the Family authorized at their attempt to "take care of Tony"-although the amount of the bust is disputed by Paulie Walnuts one of the captains who really needs PT after the injury he sustained in the raid).  It is mentioned to Carmella that the money is to take care of the medical bills including needed REHABILITATION.

Thanks Mr. Chase, I couldn't be prouder.  We have hit the big time.

Any fans out there?  BTW, get the cookbook.

Larry

Comments

[Jeff Hathaway]

I saw the Soprano's episode as well! I wonder if the PT practice will lower their fees since they have no insurance?? Is the FABQ a valid measure of outcomes in this case? How many ASTYM treatments would Paulie Walnuts need? Seriously I wonder what precipitated that "complaint" making it into the script. Curious to know if there was a personal expereince by a writer or actor.
How about a future episode where Tony et al "influence" the insurance company to re-evaluate the policy and "see" things differently?

[Jim Cenova]

I caught the episode as well, though a few days later (thankfully didn't read your post until afterward).

It'd be nice if Mr. Chase continues with some PT for Tony to get back on his feet; back to being the skip.
Not sure that Paulie needs ASTYM (ouch).

[Paul Simonetti]

This is the second time that PT was mentioned on the Sopranos. There was an episode during a prior season (fall 2001)when a boy was shot in the chest with an arrow, and his Mom was given the same type of envelope and it was also to be used for the boy's Physical Therapy.

Perhaps Paulie might need some anodyne?

[Jim Cenova]

Biofreeze