Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The Difference is FMG

Work Conditioning
Work conditioning addresses the physical issues of flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and work/daily task-related function for the global outcome of increased activity tolerance. Despite the name, work conditioning is not only used for return to work and is also used to increase functional abilities and activity tolerance to improve performance of daily tasks.
Work conditioning assists the doctor in determining clear, patient-demonstrated work restrictions. This program also clearly defines to the patient their abilities and limitations.
This type of program includes: progression of functional abilities, extensive education, instruction on ways to overcome barriers such as fear of re-injury/movement and development of active pain coping tools. Work conditioning sessions are typically 2 hours, 2-3x/week but can vary depending on the specific patient. 
Work Conditioning is the next step for patients who has trialed physical therapy/chiropractic care and was unable to make significant progress or has not yet been able to meet the goals of return to work or independence in daily activities. Consider requesting a work conditioning program at FMG for your patient today!
Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluations
There are multiple psychological and social factors that can impact the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation. These factors include psychological disorders, poor social support and history of non-compliance regarding treatment.  A thorough psychological evaluation can help mitigate risk factors and be the basis for a treatment plan to reduce them, thus improving the outcomes of implantation.  Dr. Rizvi approaches psychological screenings from a biopsychosocial perspective. Her pre-surgical spinal cord stimulator evaluations include an in depth diagnostic interview and administration and interpretation of psychological assessments.  A pre-surgical screening can not only save thousands of dollars, but also give patients the best chance at a successful outcome.
Men's Chronic Pain Group
Men are different from women in so many ways. From the way they communicate to their expectations on how to deal with pain. Feinberg Medical Group understands this and is proud to announce the Chronic Pain Men’s Group. This group is facilitated by licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Sarah Rizvi, who has 5 years of experience treating patients in a group setting. The Chronic Pain Men’s Group is a cost effective way for patients to learn new coping skills, gain support and identify how they can improve their functioning and get back into their lives. The group meets once per week for 6 weeks and each session is 1.5 hours.  Enrollment for group is open every 6 weeks and group will consist of 4-10 members. Call Feinberg Medical Group today for more information: 650-223-6400.
Family Support Group
This group is for the family members of past and present patients of the Functional Restoration Program at Feinberg Medical Group. Sessions are facilitated by Sarah Rizvi, PhD and Rachel Feinberg, PT, DPT. Groups are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 3pm-4:30pm

Friday, May 16, 2014

Guides to the Guides: Evaluator’s Resource Algorithm to the AMA Guides







Dr. Chris Brigham and I have updated our book, Guide to the Guides: Evaluator's Resource Algorithm to the AMA Guides

We offer an electronic copy of it gratis.

You can click on the following Link to download a copy or you can REPLY to this email and I will forward a copy to you via email.

Guide to the Guides: Evaluator's Resource Algorithm to the AMA Guides
This resource is designed to simplify use of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and improve the accuracy of ratings. The reality is that there is no easy way to learn the AMA Guides but this is an approach at perhaps making it a little simpler. It is critical that you keep the AMA Guides 5th Edition available as you review this resource. We have provided you with a format such that if the examiner answers the questions and fills out the integrated fill-in squares and check off boxes, the examiner should at least identify and address all possible issues for an AMA Guides impairment evaluation.