There have been numerous studies and analysis about the cost effectiveness of early use of Physical Therapy for low back pain. Now there is even more data supporting using Physical Therapy first versus other interventions, this time in how it impacts Medicare spending.
An independent analysis by the The Moran Company, a health care research firm, stated that patients who received Physical Therapy first versus an injection saw a 19% reduction in Medicare outlays. In addition Medicare outlays were 75% less in patients that received Physical Therapy first versus surgery.
As far as early intervention, patients that were seen in Physical Therapy within 15 days of being diagnosed saw 27% lower costs due to fewer future health care services being needed.
The findings of the study also noted that in the year following the initial diagnosis, patients who had Physical Therapy first saved 18% more than those who received injections first and 54% more than those who underwent surgeries.
The results of this study were similar to findings by Fritz et al in the December 2012 issues of Spine. That study found that patients that received Physical Therapy within the first 14 days of the episode had a total cost savings of $2736 per low back pain episode.
These findings should strongly be considered when addressing low back pain in Occupational Medicine as well. These studies among numerous others outline only the reduction of the medical costs in low back pain episodes. In Workers’ Compensation this is just the tip of the iceberg. Addressing musculoskeletal issues quickly and conservatively will not only reduce medical costs but also reduce the significant other expenses incurred in a Worker’s Compensation claim. From an advocacy perspective it is also just the right thing to do for our patients.
This study is further evidence that in most cases Physical Therapy should be the first consideration in cases of low back pain. To see the entire report from the study go to https://goo.gl/p2oMLH.
