Awareness and Healthcare News

While the evolution of current COVID variants are less likely to cause critical illness, they have still been recognized as highly contagious. In fact, studies show that nearly 53% of patients struggle with symptoms for up to 12 months after infection - a year of constant sickness that can be life-altering! So, with variants and strains like Omicron or Delta, it's very possible to see a rise in long-term COVID patients in the upcoming future.

Tomorrow, May 12th, is International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day, a day to recognize and support individuals living with this illness as well as advocate for further research on both a cause and a cure. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex and debilitating health condition that’s gaining more recognition as medical science advances. Keep reading to learn more about the history of CFS in addition to how occupational therapy can help improve the likelihood of a full recovery.

Did you know that in 2019, the United States had about 223,135 traumatic brain injury (TBI) hospitalizations? That comes out to about 611 cases every day - and that's excluding those treated in an emergency department or who did not receive help! So, in honor of May being Stroke Awareness Month, keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and explore how occupational therapy can significantly help patients recover as well as regain a better quality of life. 

In 1989, stroke was the third leading cause of death in the United States. So with this in mind, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed May as "National Stroke Awareness Month" and since then, medical research advancements have made remarkable progress in the fight against stroke; however, it still remains the fifth leading cause of death in America today. By spreading information about this high-risk condition during May's dedicated awareness month, we strive to further reduce the chances of stroke and improve treatment options.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide have conditions that benefit from therapy and rehab efforts. While anyone may suddenly need help after an injury, surgery or illness, there are various treatment options that patients may want to discuss with rehabilitative physicians, specialists or nursing staff, including in-patient, outpatient and home-based therapies. Each of these three options offer unique benefits to patients, who may take part in all three therapy modalities during their healing journeys, but getting the facts about each approach can help individuals make a more informed choice for themselves or a loved one.

It can be difficult to figure out how you should be billing Medicare for therapy services, especially if your practice offers both group and individual therapy options. It's understandable - there are a ton of similarities between the services on both a treatment plan and billing code level. So, join us today as we compare the differences between the two and review a couple of billing scenarios to make sure that you're getting reimbursed accurately.