We have started using a 1-page physician approval form that has increased our response rates to about 70%-80%. The turn around time has been improved, as well.
This is in reference to consulting (IME) docs, however. Treating providers are about 50/50 with our form, even if we reach out to them or their staff directly.
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Kourtney Layton MRC, CRC, LVRC, ABVE/F, IPEC, CLCP, CVE
Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Analyst, Certified Life Care Planner, Medical Case Manager, Certified Vocational Evaluator
Kourtney Layton & Associates
Offices in Utah, Idaho and Nevada
Serving clients nationwide
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-25-2024 10:56
From: Maria King Vargas
Subject: Lack of response from physicians on LCPs
Thanks Tanya, I will look these up. Good to know it's a barrier we all face, but I am wondering what the solution is, in keeping within our LCP methodology.
Original Message:
Sent: 1/25/2024 10:37:00 AM
From: Tanya Rutherford Owen
Subject: RE: Lack of response from physicians on LCPs
In 2019, an article was published in the Journal of Life Care Planning where life care planners based in the United States described practice barriers. The phenomenon you are describing was identified as a salient theme in the research.
- Practice Challenges Identified by Life Care Planners in the United States, Tanya Rutherford Owen and Melissa Jones Wilkins, 17(2), 33-39
This was a follow up study from a 2017 article where practice barriers were identified by Canadian life care planners.
- Challenges and Practice Issues Faced by Canadian Life Care Planners. Jodi Fischer & Melissa Jones Wilkins, 15(3), 31-36,
Tanya Rutherford Owen, Ph.D., CRC, CLCP, CDMS, LPC, FIALCP
Owen Vocational Services, Inc.
Co-Editor- Life Care Planning & Case Management Across the Lifespan
Editor-The Rehabilitation Professional & Journal of Life Care Planning: A Year in Review
1706 E Joyce Blvd Suite 2
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 718-6631
Fax (501) 421-6043
Original Message:
Sent: 1/24/2024 10:00:00 AM
From: Maria King Vargas
Subject: Lack of response from physicians on LCPs
Have any of you run into the following issues lately?
1. Treating physicians will not talk to or answer the life care planner
2. IME physicians either won't comment on future needs, and if they do, completely back off of their opinions in deposition?
I have been doing life care plans for a long time, but lately, I am getting stonewalled to get the medical input I need. Wondering if this is a trend of just a run of tough luck.
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Maria Vargas
Consultant
Maria@vargasvoc.com
Belmont, NC United States
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