UNION HOSPITAL SERVICES

Medical Rehabilitation Center

The Rehabilitation Physician

A physiatrist is a medical doctor who, in addition to training and experience in general medicine, has obtained extensive training and certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The physiatrist has specific experience in the care of the physically disabled person to help him/her gain maximum benefit from the rehabilitation program.

The physiatrist will:

• medically evaluate your overall condition to determine the cause and extent of your activity limitations.
• determine which measures the team must use in order to help reduce the activity limitations.
• help you to understand what has happened to you and what you can expect in the future concerning your activity limitations.
• treat any associated problems or consult other physicians or your family doctor as needed.
  

The physiatrist meets regularly with the patient and the rehabilitation team in order to:

• review progress,
• determine what new procedures must be undertaken, and
• determine when you have achieved maximum benefit from the efforts of the rehabilitation team and are ready for discharge.