Physiatry Life Care
Planning Associates

Three Foundations of Life Care Planning:

1. Understand the medical problem and orbiting consequential medical, emotional problems

2. What will be the medical services, therapies, medications and equipment needs for the future (understanding there will be aging)

3. What will be the costs

In 1946, the American Board of Specialists noted that orthopedic doctors lacked neurological training and that neurologists lacked orthopedic training and an understanding of long-term consequences for employment as well as long-term care and consequences of aging.

Physiatrists were defined as nerve, muscle, bone, and brain experts who focus on injury, function, and rehabilitation.

A physiatrist is able to assist attorneys via:

1. Review of Patient Records

2. Direct Examination of the Patient

3. Test Result Explanations

4. Provides Additional Testing Needs

5. Assesses for Therapy Needs

6. Recommendations for Specialized Equipment

7. Home Modifications and Accommodations

8. Gauges the Emotional Impact of Injury

9. Explains the Consequences of Aging

1. Cerebral Palsy: Hemiparesis to severe physical and cognitive delays

2. C2 Spinal Cord Quadriplegia: Spinal Cord Injuries

3. Plexopathy: Following Birth Trauma

4. Traumatic Brain Injury: Mild to Severe

5. Burns/Sepsis: Often Burns and Sepsis cases result in cognitive, developmental delays, and behavioral problems in children.

6. MVC Disc Herniations: Documenting injuries following an MVC and the long-term consequences