GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Do you have nagging neck, back or shoulder pain? A lot of people do and now patients can still get physical therapy through videoconferencing.
Telehealth is the new face-to-face care when it comes to many medical needs. Scott County physical therapist, Dr. Bethany Doninger, does virtual sessions at Benchmark and Drayer Physical Therapy in Georgetown.
"We have over 300 telehealth visits we are treating right now." Doninger said.
Patient Kathryn Evans of Lawrenceburg is one of those patients. Evans is six months pregnant and suffers back and hip pain from an old running injury. Her pregnancy makes it worse.
"It's pretty important for me to have this, plus it's going to help with my muscles after I deliver and help with recovery." Evans explained.
The recent ruling by Gov. Andy Beshear mandates that only essential businesses can stay open. According to Benchmark & Drayer, physical therapy is not considered an essential business, but it can provide telehealth physical therapy services to maintain patient care and progress during this time.
Doninger says patients with urgent or emergent needs can be seen in person, but first must be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Staff follows CDC guidelines during this critical time.
The governor has really pushed insurance companies to accept telehealth visits and they are accepted by all major insurances, except Medicare B," Doniger noted. "It's a way we can continue to treat patients and keep them safe."
If you want more information, you can call Benchmark & Drayer Physical Therapy at (859) 219-0211.
