Injury Management 101: How I Avoided Expensive Medical Bills

July 25, 2024

As a Physical Therapist at New Life Physical Therapy, I understand the importance of immediate and appropriate care following an injury. A month ago, I experienced a slip and fall on a very hard and slippery public bathroom floor, leading to immediate pain, swelling, and bruising in my shoulder, forearm, hand, and knee. By the end of the day, the pain in my shoulder had worsened, making it difficult to lift or move my arm.

My Approach to Managing the Injury

Instead of rushing to urgent care or scheduling expensive imaging tests, I leveraged my knowledge as a physical therapist to handle the situation. Here’s how I managed my injury and what you can learn from it:

1. Initial Assessment:

• Colleague Examination: I had a trusted colleague examine my shoulder to rule out significant injuries like a torn rotator cuff or dislocated joint.

2. Movement as Medicine:

• Gentle Range of Motion: I started with gentle range of motion exercises, especially focusing on movements that didn’t exacerbate the pain.
• Pain Management: I modified my sleeping position, avoiding sleeping on the injured side and used a pillow to support my arm while sleeping on the opposite side.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Adequate Sleep: I prioritized getting extra sleep to aid in the healing process.
• Nutrition: I focused on a diet rich in protein and single-ingredient fruits and vegetables to provide my body with the necessary nutrients for recovery.

The Recovery Process

By following this approach, my condition began to improve significantly:

• Day 3: Swelling was well managed. Although pain and bruising were still present, my range of motion was improving and the situation was not worsening further.
• 1 Week: I was back to normal daily activities like sleeping comfortably, dressing, and fastening my seatbelt.
• 2 Weeks: I resumed my upper body strength workouts and was able to play with my kids without hesitation or guarding.

Value-Based Decisions and Cost Comparisons

One crucial aspect of my recovery process was making value-based decisions regarding my healthcare, including considering costs associated with different types of care.

Traditional Approach

• Doctor’s Office Visit: Around $350 OR Urgent Care Center: Can be as much as $1,000
• X-Rays: Typically cost upwards of $600.
• MRI: Can be as expensive as $3,000.

With unmet deductible, these expenses would have largely been out-of-pocket costs. Instead, I opted for:

Direct Access Musculoskeletal Care

· Evaluation and one follow up by a Colleague: Costing only $160 for both visits combined, this provided me with the necessary reassurance and steps to manage my injury effectively. Peace of mind and clear path to recovery at a fraction of the cost.

Lessons for Everyone

This experience can highlight that with the right knowledge and approach, many acute injuries can be managed effectively without the need for costly medical interventions. Here are some steps you can take if you experience a slip, trip, or fall:

1. Initial Assessment: Check for significant signs of injury. If a joint deformity is present &/or visible, seek urgent care or ER services. However, in cases such as severe pain or difficulty moving, consider a primary care musculoskeletal appointment with New Life Physical Therapy.
2. Gentle Movement: Start with gentle range of motion exercises to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
3. Modify Activities: Avoid positions or activities that exacerbate the pain. Use supports like pillows to aid in comfort.
4. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Ensure you get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet to support your body’s healing process.

By providing self-pay visits for acute injury evaluations, we offer a cost-effective way to ensure your injury is properly assessed and managed, potentially avoiding unnecessary urgent care visits and expensive imaging. If our screening indicates that imaging is needed, we will also advise and get you to the best place in the quickest amount of time.