Physcial Therpist Prescribes Treatment But Never Saw Veteran

[Teac]

I have an old back injury that has really got me down lately. I have tried all the pills till it is like eating candy but not as good. My va primary care physical recommended PTagain.. so I said ok.. why not...

I get a letter from va with authority to seek private care... ok..

but a VA PT doctor has dictated exactly how I will be treated with out ever meeting me... and my va record only has 10 months of medical informtion about this because I relocated to another state awhile back..

so how the heck can a doctor prescribe treatment - right down to 20 mins for warm compress, 10 mins for ice rub..etc and only 2 x week for 4 week To include a home training program so I can treat myself at home

Wouldn't this come under the "M" word???

I have called his office yesterday and today but he does not return my calls.... any suggestions...

[Teac]

LarryJ,

if they recommend surgery and he refuses, what happens? Will the refusal affect any benefits?

No, the va cannot force you to accept medical treatment as a condition to compensation.....

Edited July 4, 2008 by Teac