Reinventing Therapy Frequency: Recommendations for the Medically Complex Patient

Abstract

This article outlines the differences between a traditional restorative modelof therapy and a maintenance model of therapy. It defines medical complexityand skilled care as it pertains primarily to physical, but occupational andspeech therapy as well, and explores why the medically complex therapy patientrequires consistent skilled care. Individualizing therapy frequency byproperly quantifying the utilization (frequency and duration) for the medicallycomplex patient enables the life care planner to better meet the rehabilitationneeds of this population.