A consultation service is provided for patients with functional limitations in the performance of daily activities. Consultations for patient evaluation and treatment recommendations are directed to Rehabilitation Medicine, screened by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and then assigned to one of the physiatrists.
Patients referred for consultations are seen within 24 hours. The physiatrists consult and meet with the referring physicians and the patient's family and make referrals for further specialized evaluations, treatment and equipment recommendations by healthcare professionals who work in the other Rehabilitation Medicine units. The physiatrists follow the patient's functional progress during treatment programs and work with other members of the Rehabilitation Medicine team regarding discharge planning for the patient.
Electromyography evaluations (EMG) and medical acupuncture are also provided. Patients who are seen for a rehabilitation medicine consultation may undergo an EMG when clinically indicated and with the approval of their primary care physician. When a physiatrist is an associated investigator, an EMG may also be performed as part of a relevant research study. Medical acupuncture is available to patients with the approval of their primary care physician.