Text Size: Relief is here for employees with low back pain.
On Jan. 1, 2012, in partnership with the Oregon Health Leadership Council, Providence Health Plan is launching a low back pain initiative aimed at reducing time loss from work, reducing medical costs, improving functional status and improving patient satisfaction. The low back pain initiative is just one of the myriad approaches the state and insurers are taking to better manage health care costs.
The low back pain initiative includes:
- A short, seven question screening questionnaire
- Access to a physical therapist within 48 business hours
- Initial evaluation of 30 - 45 minutes
- A maximum of four, 30-minute visits
- Referral to a primary care doctor if a patient requires more than four visits
- Self management and exercise, not physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, hot / cold packs or other stimulation.
Encourage your customers to share this information with their employees. Employees with low back pain, who have Providence health insurance, can find the list of participating physical therapists online at www.ProvidenceHealthPlan.com/lowbackpain. Most employees will find faster relief by calling a participating physical therapist. If your customers have multiple insurers it is likely that all their employees will have access to the program. Nearly all insurers are participating in this initiative.
Participating physical therapists
Review this list of participating physical therapists for Providence Health Plan.
Low back pain facts
- 80 percent of individuals with low back pain have uncomplicated cases that could be treated more effectively through early intervention and self management.
- Early results from similar initiatives show a 34 percent reduction in time loss and high levels of patient satisfaction.
FAQ
Alternative Care
Discounts on acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy and more.