Why We Do What We Do

I subscribe to a rehab listserve.  Many times, the discussion threads take a hopeless or angry tone when the various contributors try to predict the future of healthcare and the profitability of their businesses.  Such was the case recently, when many private practive PT business owners lamented the cuts in payments, the over-regulation, healthcare reform and the general state of the economy.  I think there may even have been mention of the end of the Mayan calendar!  (OK, I made that part up.)

But one contributor, Thomas Howell PT, from Idaho, wrote the following.  I think he summarized nicely my thoughts on the subject.

I am tired of the doom and gloom AND I am tired a discussion that hasn't once focused on the patient. At its root healthcare is and always will be about caring for people. Ask me if things are harder than 10 years ago and I would say firmly NO. I have more tools from equipment to outcomes tools and more research evidence than ever before to guide what I do and allow me options for care that are successful and repeatable.

Patients/clients are receiving care that, even when limited by insurance, is still way better than I ever could have imagined 24 years ago when I started PT school. In addition, I have opportunities outside of traditional PT care to establish a business model with, from fitness to wellness to women's health. 25 years ago a majority of PT practices survived only by contracting with home health or SNF's because the reimbursement was much worse than it was today.

What is harder is to use physical therapy purely as a business to get wealthy but you know what - that's not what this profession is all about. I am about profit as much as any American business person and agree that we have too many regulations but at the same time my motivation is not profit but treating patients. Every day I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives.

Yes, maybe our profession will become a profession that we cannot make a huge profit any more but does that diminish it or what we do day in and day out as healthcare professionals? I don't think so and I would bet many other colleagues would agree. Ask yourself if you would still be in the profession if you could only earn what teachers make in your area. Would you still be in the profession? I know plenty of PT's that would because patient care and making a difference in people's lives is the most important thing to them as it is to me.

Amen.