Outpatient Specialized Services
Even if you have a spinal cord injury doctor (a physiatrist), it is important to also have a primary care doctor who can help with all the usual, everyday health problems that come up. Some SCI rehabilitation might even suggest primary care doctors who know a lot about SCI. This can be helpful for problems that sometimes happen after an SCI. Ask you SCI doctor if they have any primary doctors they recommend.
It’s good to know that many primary care doctors might not have treated someone with SCI before, so you might need to share information with them. THe American Spinal Injury Association and Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals have put together helpful guides for primary care doctors about how to care for people with SCI. These guides can be useful whether you’re looking for a new family doctor or going back to the one you had before your injury. Most primary care physicians are happy to get information that helps them give the best care to their patients.
Choosing OP Therapy
Outpatient versus home health therapy
When possible, choose outpatient therapy services at a facility that is familiar with SCI. If your inpatient rehabilitation facility specializes in SCI care and offers outpatient therapy, that’s your best option. If you live too far from your inpatient rehabilitation facility, check into whether local facilities have specialized SCI therapy.
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SCI Trials Resources
Many people with SCI and support persons with whom we have spoken shared interest in recovery opportunities through research. There are some resources to help individuals find clinical trials and other research opportunities specifically for people with SCI.
SCI Trials Finder
Spinal Cord Injury Trials
Social Work Services
People in our study often said they really need help from social workers and want someone to talk to for support, especially after they go back home. You can ask a hospital or clinic if they have social workers who can help. You might also be able to get help from a case manager through your insurance—whether it’s private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or Workers Compensation. Another good idea is to contact a certified independent living center near you.
Helpful Terminology
Social Worker
A social worker is a trained professional who helps individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being and navigate challenges in their lives. They address a wide range of social issues and work to promote social justice and human rights.
Nurse Manager
A nurse manager is a registered nurse with leadership responsibilities, overseeing a team of nurses and other healthcare staff within a specific unit or department. They are essentially a bridge between the nursing staff and higher management, ensuring smooth daily operations and quality patient care.
Case Worker
In social work, a caseworker is not a social worker but is employed by a government agency, nonprofit organization, or another group to take on the cases of individuals and provide them with advocacy, information and solutions.
Case Manager
In social work, a case manager is a professional who coordinates and oversees the care of individuals with complex needs, ensuring they receive the necessary services and support. They act as a liaison between clients and various service providers, assessing needs, developing care plans, and advocating for clients' well-being.
Service Animal Programs
Service animals, usually dogs, are specially trained to help people with disabilities. For people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), these dogs can make a big difference by helping them be more independent and needing less help from other people. These highly skilled dogs can do many helpful things, like picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, and helping a person stay steady when moving or walking short distances. They can also bring certain items, get help in an emergency, carry bags, and even help with getting dressed. Some well-known programs that provide service dogs for people with SCI are Canine Companions, Paws With A Cause, and Service Dogs for America.