A PR Campaign we can get our hands around

In what I would deem as perhaps the best article on the financial and clinical efficacy of physical therapy in initial treatment of LBP ever to hit the mainstream press, we have this from WSJ entitled "A Novel Plan Helps Hospital Wean Itself Off of Pricey Tests".(available for 7 days for non-subscribers).

This pointed article, describes the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle's patient focused approach to cutting costs in treating expensive ailments including the use of hi-tech tests and specialists.  They became successful as their own worst enemy (providing cost-effective care results in less revenue and less profits in our perverse fee for service system).  The good news is that they have been able to get a few payors to recognize their efficiency and reward them financially for the savings (side note:  CMS was not one of them who rewarded based on their inflexibility).

The article thru both words and illustration describe a case in point-Physical Therapy and Low Back Pain.  Solution:  Go to the PT first!!!  It eliminates unnecessary tests, costs, and provides a successful outcome.  What a novel idea and perhaps the best gift as this profession has ever received by the WSJ.  The article accurately points out that medical literature supports this treatment approach and they have convinced many employers to follow this pathway (including Starbucks-this may actually convince me to switch from my favorite Dunkin Donuts to a major employer who supports PT as the front line of LBP).

And guess what-they convinced Aetna to increase PT reimbursement from $42 to $49 per 15 minutes (that is correct-"per 15 minutes" as opposed to the below our cost rates for a full treatment session that some of theMMM are proposing).  I don't know Ms. Annette King, but I want her negotiating my PT rates.

We need a focused effort to get this information thru a large PR campaign into the hands of payors, employers, and consumers.

This is a great way to start the New Year.

Larry

Comments

[Rob Wainner]

GREAT post and article.

Perhaps we should take this one issue as our poster boy in taking on the Ins. Industry and follow Tim’s of quoted mantra of “focus, focus, focus”.

Thanks,

Rob

[Paul]

When I click on the link to the article, it only offers a preview, then tells me I have to subscribe to the WSJ to get the full text...

[John Ware]

Paul,
I was able to click on the WSJ link and get the full article- not sure why you're having trouble. Anyway, the press release should be adequate to pass on to your press outlets, colleagues and 3rd party payers.
John W.

[John Ware]

Paul,
I just emailed you a copy of the article.
JW

[Vern]

I also was unable to get the full text of the article. Could I please get a full copy emailed?Vern

[Beth]

I also had trouble getting to full text of the article. Anyone have a copy they can email me?

[Dan]

Larry

The APTA president sent out a mailer congratulating the APTA on the publicity raised through the "Blackberry thumb" ad campaign. Is there any way we can suggest an ad campaign around the WSJ article and the results of Virginia Mason Medical Center's change to PT first?

[Michael]

Does anyone have a copy of the WSJ article that they wouldn't mind sending via e-mail to me? Thanks!!

[Bob Schroedter]

Ditto on the copy please!

[Steve]

I'd also like a copy of the full text article.
Thanks