1. Which of the following laser treatments would likely be considered investigational?
A. Therapeutic laser
B. Low level laser therapy
C. Laser phototherapy
D. YAG laser
Answer: A, B, and C. Therapeutic laser, low level laser therapy and laser phototherapy all refer to the same physical therapy modality that is proposed to produce a reaction at the cellular level, more than just providing heat to the area. It is currently considered investigational. The YAG laser is used in the treatment of cataracts.
2. Can you explain the difference between these therapy modalities?
A. Dry hydrotherapy
B. Pool therapy
C. Water massage
D. Aquatic physiotherapy
Answer: A and C are the same. Dry hydrotherapy and water massage refer to a massage device in which the patient is sandwiched between two bags of pressurized heated water. Jets move the water over and against the body, creating the massage. This treatment is considered investigational.
B and D are also the same. Pool therapy and aquatic physiotherapy refer to physical therapist-directed exercise in a pool. Aquatic therapy may be indicated for a number of musculoskeletal conditions and is often combined with a land-based program. Pool therapy may be a reimbursable, justified treatment.
3. Are these treatments real procedures?
A. Autologous epidural blood patch
B. Platelet rich plasma therapy
C. Ultraviolet blood irradiation
Answer: All treatments are “real,” but not all are considered conventional treatment.
A. Epidural blood patch is an injection of a small amount of blood into the area of an epidural block or injection to prevent the leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the dural membrane covering the cord. The leak of CSF is thought to contribute to headache after epidural procedures.
B. Platelet rich plasma therapy is the injection of blood into tendons and ligaments. It is being investigated for a number of conditions, including rotator cuff tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. Currently, most health insurance companies consider the treatment experimental and investigational.
C. Ultraviolet blood irradiation is exposure of blood to ultraviolet light. In conventional medication, ultraviolet blood irradiation is used for certain cancers and is called photopheresis. However, similar procedures with small amounts of blood and application of ultraviolet light to blood vessels has been proposed as treatment for a number of other conditions by alternative medicine providers, which would be considered investigational.
4. Do you know these diagnostics?
A. CRMA
B. SEMG
C. Neurocalometer
D. VEEG
Answer:
A. CRMA is computerized radiographic mensuration analysis, a digital x-ray of the spine typically used by chiropractors to assess and measure spinal subluxations. Most health insurance policies consider this diagnostic investigational.
B. SEMG or surface EMG uses electrodes stuck to the skin or pressed against the skin to assess muscle electrical behavior. This is not the same as a needle EMG in which needles are placed through the skin into the muscles. SEMG have been utilized by chiropractors for many years, but the procedure is generally considered investigational. The reliability and validity of results has been questioned.
C. Neurocalometer refers to thermography, which assesses skin temperature difference. Thermography has been proposed as a diagnostic tool for a number of conditions, including neck and back injuries, but it is generally considered investigational and to have limited clinical value.
D. VEEG is video EEG. This procedure may be indicated for the diagnosis of seizure disorder or epilepsy, but would not be routinely needed when a diagnosis of epilepsy has been thought confirmed.