Speak Out ... Veteran appreciation
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How fitting that we celebrate Thanksgiving and honor our veterans in November. It would be easy to join the ranks of the eternal pessimists who preach that everything is wrong with America, that the war on terror and in Iraq is wrong and that the 2,700-plus Americans who have died in the effort have died in vain. We have much to be thankful for. With all the faults and shortcomings the hand-wringers espouse, our nation remains the envy of the rest of the world. Perhaps British Prime Minister Tony Blair said it best when asked by a member of Parliament why he admired America so much. He responded, “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in and how many want out!” The next time you feel doubts about the direction of this country, remember this: The only two defining forces that have ever been willing to die for you are: (1) Jesus Christ and (2) the American soldier! One died for your soul and the other for your freedom — even to read this! Celebrate our wonderful heritage by giving thanks for all we enjoy and take for granted. Please remember to include a prayer and a simple thanks for our veterans and their families. James W. Anderson Physical therapy optionsPhysical therapists in Alabama complete a four-year undergraduate degree and most go on to attend a three-year doctoral program. They must also pass a comprehensive licensure examination in addition to a jurisprudence test.Despite this education and clinical preparation, Alabama is one of only two states where patients cannot access physical therapist services in any way without first getting a referral from a physician. Given this situation, some physical therapists are practicing in inappropriate financial relationships where the physician profits from their referrals, exposing the patient to risk of exploitation. “Referral for profit” has been proven to drive up already high health care costs for patients. The Alabama Board of Physical Therapy recently voted to prohibit physical therapists from practicing in referral-for-profit relationships as they create a conflict of interest detrimental to the public. While controversy has arisen regarding its position, the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy believes that protecting patients from potential referral for profit situations is the right thing to do. The rule in no way restricts or prohibits communication and collaboration between the physical therapist and the referring physician. This rule was strongly opposed by some physician groups involved in these financial arrangements and was recently voted down by the Legislative Council despite strong evidence that the rule will protect patients. The council decision must now go before the entire Legislature for consideration. All concerned citizens should contact their legislators and express their concerns about this issue and ask how he or she plans to protect patients in the future. Surely the public’s right to health care services free of conflicts of interest should take precedence over a provider’s right to participate in these unnecessary conflicts. John K. Cormier, Physical Therapist |
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