Guest guest Posted April 25, 2012 Report Share Posted April 25, 2012 Hi , I can only answer as a faculty member teaching this. Like most modalities especially US, there is good scientific (non-human/non-clinical)research and good theory to support its use for a number of problems but the actual clinical research is thin and probably not enough, unless you are a very profitable clinic, to spend the money. Like US units, it is the Laser diode head that ups the expense as you have to purchase the base unit (or an add on base if you have certain other modality units already) and choose from a variety of laser diode heads which are an added cost. Also like other modalities, there may be evidence to support its effectiveness for certain narrow diagnoses but there is little or no comparative research comparing it to less expensive treatments (including other modalities) to see if it works better than other treatments. It poses a real financial risk because it is not paid by many insurances either. Be very careful with that one because a clinic in Idaho here got major penalties from the Federal government because they were trying to bill Medicare for the use for the use of the laser and fraudulently using many other codes. It is an unlisted modality by coding and these other clinics that do it all the time may be trying to bill it incorrectly or just using it with patients whose insurance will pay (or with cash based patients). The billing and payment challenges are probably the biggest reason that many clinics avoid it. If you can afford it, why not have it to try with patients. It is a great marketing tool and has few harmful effects (protecting the eyes is a big one, though). Just be aware that like US, there are many parameters that can be manipulated so you can never really be sure if it is working each and every time for each and every problem. Hard to standardize. Also hard to really know if it placebo effect or real effect but if it works. So it has promise and may be something to have in your toolbox, if you can afford it and if you are aware that you probably won't get paid for its use. And because it has promise, there may be research in the next few years to support its use. Because of the potential that is there, we teach the basic science and application and are getting a laser for our lab. M.Howell, P.T., M.P.T. IPTA Payment Specialist/ Carrington College PTA program faculty Meridian, Idaho thowell@... This email and any files transmitted with it may contain PRIVILEGED or CONFIDENTIAL information and may be read or used only by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the email or any of its attachments, please be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing or copying of this email or any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately purge it and all attachments and notify the sender by reply email. From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 10:44 AM To: PTManager Subject: Laser therapy Could anyone give me feedback re your use of low level laser therapy in the clinic and what type of results you are seeing from it? I have read more and more sports trainers and therapists are advocating this and I have a rep who is willing to inservice me and loan me a unit to try with pt's. I was just wanting to get some clinical feedback from maybe other PT's who have used this. I am not convinced the cost of a unit can be justified but Iam intrigued by it. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2012 Report Share Posted April 26, 2012 , We have had a laser in the clinic for the last 3 years and have had some good success with it. We bought a laser from Erchonia. Most succesful with smaller treatment areas,but has helped control pain during treatment and patient reports of having less pain and more mobility following the treatment for 2-10 hours. That said, the research is mixed on the best wavelength for the laser with some support the 650 nm wavelength and others the 820 or 930nm. My anectodotal findings are that I can use it to help alleviate pain during a treatment to work soft tissue or improve tolerance to therex, therefore having better outcomes. My 2 cents are it is a good adjunct to have in the clinic, although you will not (currently) be able to generate any reimbursement from it. Gwilliam, PT, MHA, CWS Director of Rehabilitation Bowie Memorial Hosptial Bowie, Texas > > Could anyone give me feedback re your use of low level laser therapy in the clinic and what type of results you are seeing from it? I have read more and more sports trainers and therapists are advocating this and I have a rep who is willing to inservice me and loan me a unit to try with pt's. I was just wanting to get some clinical feedback from maybe other PT's who have used this. I am not convinced the cost of a unit can be justified but Iam intrigued by it. > Thank you > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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