List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Rising health care copayments (copays) are making health coverage less affordable even for those who have insurance. Exacerbating the problem, many insurers classify physical therapy as a specialized service, putting physical therapists (PTs) in the same category as orthopedic surgeons and obstetrician/gynecologists. This can result in $50-$100 copays, making treatment unaffordable for patients who may see a PT 2-3 times a week. These high copays also affect a PT’s ability to provide acceptable care to patients. This article examined the problem and presented suggestions and examples of PTs who are coping with the immediate problem and addressing the longer-term issue.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Various documents, policy statements, and other materials were reviewed.
Explain types of human sources used.
The bulk of the article relied on interviews with physical therapists, lawyers, and association officials to explore both the short- and long-term methods of addressing the problem of high copays and their effects on patients and physical therapists..
Results:
The article generate positive feedback (phone calls and e-mails) from both individual physical therapists and from representatives of state physical therapy associations.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or clarifications were necessary. The article’s accuracy has not been challenged.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
We reached our best sources through state association officials who were aware of the particular challenges within their states. Those officials, in turn, directed us to physical therapists who had developed a variety of methods — some straightforward, others quite creative — to address the issue. This topic can be modified to address other health care professions and/or to focus on single states.