EDMOND — The health care debate often focuses on all the problems and frustrations associated with the current health care industry. What is typically overlooked is the discussion about what is working well in our existing health care system.
Rehabilitation is without question, one shining example of health care that is working well. Rehabilitation is a medical specialty that helps people affected by potentially disabling diseases or traumatic injuries be restored to good health and functional lives, minimizing physical and cognitive disabilities. Rehabilitation addresses the multiple effects that disability has on a patient and their family and works through an interdisciplinary team of professionals to maximize recovery.
Treatment is individualized so every patient can progress at his or her ability level. During National Rehabilitation Week, I am proud to promote the unequivocal success of rehabilitation and I join my colleagues in celebrating the heroic efforts of the many dedicated rehabilitation professionals and therapists whose expertise and encouragement positively impact the lives of patients each and every day in Oklahoma.
Studies consistently show that most Americans will require at least one rehabilitation service at some point in their lives and the demand is expected to increase. This increasing need for rehabilitation is due to several factors, including a high incidence of heart attacks and strokes among the baby boomer generation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a large aging population and medical advances that improve survivability for patients.
Research consistently proves that physical, occupational and speech therapy can provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive surgeries, prescription drugs and the use of medical devices to treat musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary problems.
For every $1 spent on rehabilitation services, it is estimated that $11 is saved on long-term disability cost. Nearly one in 50 people are living with paralysis as the result of stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor vehicle accidents and other causes, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
As we attempt to decipher current health care reform bills, determining the future and scope of rehabilitation services is a priority. At this juncture, rehabilitation services are not clearly specified in pending reform rhetoric.
However, what should be clearly articulated is that regardless of the mercurial climate in Washington, people should continue to have access to quality rehabilitation services, and rehabilitation professionals should have a real voice in any ongoing health care reform initiatives.
As the CEO of Valir Rehabilitation Hospital, it is my privilege to work with dedicated and committed rehabilitation professionals each and every day. I am witness to countless success stories that include patients who walk again after a spinal cord injury, or stroke patients who dance at their 50th wedding anniversary.
To witness the countless rehabilitation success stories is truly an honor and has taught me that miracles do happen!
Valir Rehabilitation Hospital proudly joins the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation in recognizing the profound benefits of rehabilitation services and salutes the everyday heroes who inspire, motivate and truly make a difference in the lives of their patients.
STACY SMITH, an Edmond resident, is CEO of Valir Rehabilitation Hospital and vice president of the Inpatient Division of Valir Health.
Opinion
CEO: Rehabilitation services needs to be part of health care debate
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