Services

“According to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS), outpatient medical rehabilitation program maybe considered medically necessary when an adequate and thorough evaluation has been made, including baseline functional testing so follow-up with the same test can note functional improvements.”

All patients referred to the Northern California Functional Restoration Program will be thoroughly screened through a one-cost comprehensive Initial Evaluation to determine candidacy and to measure baseline functional, pharmacological and psycho-social condition.

The Northern California Functional Restoration Program provides an initial comprehensive evaluation which includes an extensive Medical, Psychological and Physical Capacity evaluation of the patient. Included in this evaluation is baseline functional testing so that the patient could undergo follow-up testing during the program to confirm functional improvement. A realistic treatment plan is developed that we feel is attainable during the Functional Restoration Program (FRP). NCFRP utilizes a multi-disciplinary team of professionals providing individualized treatment plans. A weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting is held, open to Carriers and Nurse Case Managers, to discuss progress and a weekly comprehensive report is generated.

The comprehensive Functional Restoration Initial Evaluation includes:
• Medical Evaluation
• Psychological Evaluation
• Physical Capacity Evaluation

If the evaluation determines the patient is a candidate for our program:
• All parties will be notified of our interdisciplinary plan of care within 10 days of the evaluation.                                                   • A written plan of treatment will be provided to insurers, attorneys and primary care providers.
• Our dedicated Authorizations Support Teams will work with insurance carriers to obtain needed authorizations.
• Weekly status reports will be provided to treating physicians, attorneys and insurance carriers.
• Weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings are held open to insurers, treating physicians, and case managers.
• Final reports will be completed outlining progress, work status, and recommendations regarding future medical care needs.
• A formal rating report and/or a medical cost projection can be completed upon request and authorization

If the patient is not a candidate for our program:
• Patient will be referred back to their treating physician with a comprehensive report outlining specific recommendations for treatment or further medical workup as indicated.

Downloads

• NCFRP Referral Form
• NCFRP Brochure

“At NCFRP, our goal is to help every patient maximize functional and psycho-social potential resulting to decreased utilization of healthcare resources, decreased medication, a return to work plan, and various other functional and psychological improvements.”

Downloads

• Outcomes Summary
• Program Description
• Patient Educational Pamphlet (English)
• Patient Educational Pamphlet (Spanish)

The Northern California Functional Restoration Program is located in a dedicated space for the program which in includes a space for a gym, private entrance and waiting area, class room training, exam rooms, psychotherapy rooms, on location administrative offices and a dedicated reception area to allow for easy-acess to patients and providers.

Following the comprehensive Initial Evaluation, a realistic treatment plan is developed that we feel is attainable during the FRP. NCFRP utilizes a multi-disciplinary team of professionals providing individualized treatment plans. A weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting is held, open to Carriers and Nurse Case Managers, to discuss progress and a weekly comprehensive report is generated.

The 6 Week Program consists of a variety of services geared towards facilitating recovery of functioning and quality of life – physically, medically, socially, mentally, emotionally, and vocationally with an emphasis on maximizing function versus minimizing pain. For (a) Physical Treatment, patients attend groups on strength and conditioning, proper body mechanics, ergonomics, functional movement, posture and balance, yoga, nutrition, and biofeedback. For (b) Medical Care and Supervision, each patient attends an individual appointment with a physician on a weekly basis as well as physician lectures on medication management and the medical bases of chronic pain and its treatments. For (c) Psychological and Behavioral Care, (d) Psychosocial and (f) Education, patients are provided with intensive training in wellness-focused (active, independent) skills for managing stress and pain, communication skills for fostering healthy social support, relaxation and meditation training, education on mindfulness for attentional retaining and autogenic nervous system arousal, and specific tools for coping with anxiety, depression, and grief. Patients are also supported in (e) vocational rehabilitation and training through career planning, and skills training aimed at return to work.

Some of our program MODALITIES…
• Medical and Pharmacological management
• Return to work and Vocational planning
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Behavioral Modification Education
• Nutritional Education
• Strength and Conditioning
• Stress and Pain Management Techniques
• Yoga and Movement Therapy
• Biofeedback and Ergonomics
• Optimization and/or detoxification treatment as needed
• Weekly Comprehensive Reports for carriers, physicians and case managers
• Weekly Comprehensive Multi-disciplinary meetings
• Daily healthy food provision to patients

Return to Work

Patients with Chronic Pain have a reduced ability to conduct work activities. Work is an essential part of life and its loss can result in devastating consequences. Most Chronic pain patients want to work however may not be equipped with the tools to allow them to do so. Education in body mechanics, body awareness, ergonomic principles and safe working practices are vital tools that improve functional skills.

At the Northern California Functional Restoration Program the possibility of return to work will be fully explored, Our Program Coordinator will work closely with the insurance carrier, case manager and employer to determine if a return to work is an attainable goal. Any obstacles to return to work will be addressed with the employer, patient and insurer. Ergonomic principles will be explored with each patient. Light duty and work hardening will be addressed with the employers, carriers and/or case managers and put into place when applicable.If a return to work is not an option, vocational exploration based on the patient’s date of injury will be recommended. When appropriate, we will explore vocational rehabilitation, time will be spendt exploring vocational aptitude, labor markets, resume writing, and interviewing.

Community Reintegration

Many chronic pain suffers have lost some or all community contact, often becoming isolated and depressed. As the patient’s condition improves, the patient will be introduced to various community organizations and volunteer programs. Enrolling in a volunteer or community organization can help allay feelings of isolation and depression and is highly recommended following the completion of our program.

Our Program Coordinator will work with each patient to identify community resources that will assist the patient in his transition back into the community and home. Recreational Programs are available in almost every community. Programs include but are not limited to water and land aerobics, dance classes, fitness classes, yoga, computer, cooking, and gardening classes. These programs are inexpensive and open to all.

Volunteer projects begun during the program often carry over to post graduation. Giving to one’s community promotes spiritual growth and awareness. Volunteer projects will be explored during the 2nd and 3rd week of our program.

The Northern California Functional Restoration Program is available in Spanish for our Spanish-speaking patients. Providers, instructions and materials throughout the program are in Spanish. There is no need for interpreters when participating in this program.

For other languages, NCFRP will handle the processing of the provision of the needed interpreters.

Speak to one of our Patient Care Coordinators to take advantage of our services!

Allows family members the opportunity to be involved in the treatment process and learn more about the multi-faceted components related to chronic pain conditions.

Emphasizes:

• The differences between co-dependency and support
• Healthy communication techniques
• Connection between family support and self-management outcomes

The AFTERCARE PROGRAM is designed to help maintain the gains patients have made through participation in the Functional Restoration program.

Patients will be provided with the tools to successfully transition to home, work and community following our program. Many of the patients will have formed a special bond with others in their treatment groups and will be provided the opportunity to continue these supportive relationships in the Aftercare Program. A formal Aftercare Program featuring group meetings will be held bi-weekly for up to 6 months.

Aftercare provides:

• Follow up on post-discharge care plans
• Discuss progress and setbacks
• Provide additional feedback and support
• A list of community resources and volunteer opportunities will be provided to each patient during the program. Follow up with these resources in encouraged.

All patients are referred back to their Primary Treating Physician after completion of the Functional Restoration Program. If following a patient’s completion of the program the treating physician wishes to transfer care to our physicians, please speak with one of our Patient Care Coordinators and we will evaluate on a case by case basis.

NCFRP has convenient locations in the East Bay, Northern California with easy access by car from the East and North Bay, and San Francisco. Excellent parking is available as well as mass transit on BART and the free Emery-Go-Round. Healthy food provisions are also provided to participants throughout the entire program for added convenience and as part of their education.

If you are outside our accessible areas, not to worry! For referring parties, future and current patients, our friendly Patient Care Coordinators will be glad to assist you with your accommodation needs.

Speak to one of our friendly Patient Care Coordinators today!