Title: Reimbursement and Elements of Research
Course: PHT 1007 Topics in Physical Therapy > Section: Module 12

Introduction

In this module, we will be discussing reimbursement and research. These topics are linked with documentation, which we discussed last week, and can lead to the success or failure of a clinic.  Evidence based practice is a huge topic in today's medical field, regardless of the profession that you choose.  Everything we do must be based on evidence that supports the use of specific interventions or approaches to patient care. Lack of evidence to support the care you provide or lack of documentation about the care will lead to a lack of reimbursement for your patients.  You must be able to show that your selections are effective in producing the outcomes desired for each of your patients.

It should be noted as well that as a PTA you share in the responsibility of understanding the basics of both reimbursement and research. There are times you may need to do some research on your own about conditions you are unfamiliar with and come up with a treatment plan that is deemed appropriate and effective. You need to be able to read and interpret research articles.

Objectives

To successfully complete this module, you will be expected to:

- compare and contrast the different payer sources in the field of physical therapy
- define the characteristics of the Medicare patient
- define the characteristics of the Medicaid patient
- discuss the main elements of a research article
- discuss common research methods

Readings

Chapter 12, Reimbursement and Research

Module12_Reimbursement Lecture.pdf

Module12_Research Lecture.pdf

Assignments

- Complete Readings
- Post and reply in Discussion 12: Evidence based research
- Complete Quiz 12: Reimbursement/elements of research