Cost-effective rehabilitation: Part 1--Basic principles.

Patients may be referred for rehabilitation services with a variety of diagnoses, including stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple trauma, orthopedic disorders, arthritis, multiple medical problems, and chronic pain. The goals and endpoints for treatment of these conditions are often unclear. The principles that are described in this article provide a structure for creating efficient and effective rehabilitation treatment plans. These principles can also focus the utilization and peer review processes and can assist in determining medical necessity of rehabilitation services. Part one of this two-part article discusses general principles of cost-effective rehabilitation. Part two, in the December 1995 issue, will focus on individual patient management issues.