Rehabilitation Medicine Consultations

The physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians at RIW offer consultations to assist attending physicians to provide the best care to their patients.

Treatment progress can be limited by many factors, including:

  • A prolonged search for the pain generator
  • Inadequate or overly passive treatment
  • Excessive reliance on medications or procedures
  • Unrecognized psychological barriers
  • Negative environmental contingencies for recovery

These consultations can be particularly beneficial when treatment progress has stalled for unclear reasons.

What Happens During the Consultation?

RIW physicians first assure that an individual has had an appropriate diagnostic workup and that an undiagnosed medical condition has not been overlooked. They review medical records, take a complete history from the patient, and perform a thorough physical examination. When indicated further studies might be requested.

The goal is to identify the various physical, psychological, social and system barriers that may have delayed recovery for each individual. They then determine the best treatment approach, and the appropriate intensity of treatment required to achieve recovery.

When possible RIW physicians recommend treatment that can be provided in the patients home community.

To make a referral, please contact our office at (206) 859-5030, or visit our referrals page.

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