In the 26th tip from the MET 101 eBook series, Dr. Mike addresses a common question among physical therapists: "Can I bill for Medical Exercise (ME) Services?" This tip offers valuable guidance on how to properly structure and seek payment for these services once a patient has been discharged from physical therapy.

Key Points:

1. Distinguishing Patients from Clients:
• Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between patients and clients. Once patients are discharged from physical therapy, they transition to being clients for MET services.
2. Billing for ME Services:
• Physical therapists can bill for MET services through a monthly membership model. It is crucial to communicate clearly with insurance carriers, clients, and referral sources that the services provided are not physical therapy but a structured exercise program.
• The billing should reflect a monthly membership fee rather than using CPT codes, which are typically associated with physical therapy...

As the demand for medical exercise training grows globally, we understand the challenges medical exercise professionals face in setting up their practices and marketing their services. While working with clients comes naturally, the administrative and marketing aspects can be daunting. To support you in these crucial areas, the Medical Exercise Training Institute is excited to offer a special on our documentation and communication package.

Introducing the Essential MET Forms Kit

Starting your practice requires just the essential administrative and assessment forms, and we’ve made it easier and more affordable for you. Our Essential MET Forms Kit includes 10 fundamental forms every medical exercise business need:

1. MET Referral Form
2. Physician's Release Form
3. MET Assessment Summary
4. MET Progress Report
5. Gait/Function Assessment Form
6. MET Training Session Log
7. Release of Information Form
8. Client Intent to Exercise Form
9. MET Medical History Form
10. MET...

Physical Therapist/Chiropractor: Optimize Medical Exercise Programs - MET 101 eBook Tip #25

In the latest tip from the MET 101 eBook series, Dr. Mike provides valuable insights on selecting the right personnel to run Medical Exercise (ME) programs. Tip #25 specifically addresses physical therapists, offering guidance on hiring and training rehab technicians to manage aftercare for discharged patients.

Dr. Mike emphasizes that ME programs are designed to complement physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other medical services, ensuring continuous rehabilitation through structured exercise. The ongoing need for exercise is paramount for patients transitioning out of direct medical supervision.

Ideal Candidate Selection: According to Dr. Mike, the best candidate to manage an ME program is a rehab technician with at least one year of experience within the facility. These technicians should ideally complete the Medical Exercise Specialist Training Series (MEST) program. This program...

Medical Exercise Training: Why Medical Exercise Specialists Will Dominate the Next 20 Years

Over the next two decades, the need for Medical Exercise Specialists is poised for exponential growth, driven primarily by the aging Baby Boomer generation. This demographic shift, combined with several key factors, will elevate the importance and recognition of medical exercise training in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes. Here are seven principal reasons why medical exercise training will see significant growth in the coming years:

1. Recognition from the Medical Community

As the benefits of exercise in managing chronic diseases become more evident, the medical community increasingly recognizes the importance of integrating exercise into management plans. Physicians are beginning to see medical exercise training as a critical component of comprehensive care for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. This growing...

As medical exercise professionals, developing and maintaining strong relationships with medical providers is essential for building a successful practice. In the latest tip from the Medical Exercise Training 101 eBook series, Dr. Mike underscores the importance of integrating structured, protocol-based aftercare programs in physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and other rehab settings.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding the Need for Aftercare Programs Insurance carriers are increasingly reducing reimbursements for physical therapy services, leading to patients being discharged without adequate follow-up care. To bridge this gap, Dr. Mike advocates for the establishment of aftercare programs. These programs provide structured exercise protocols for patients whose insurance benefits have been exhausted but who still require supervised exercise to manage their conditions.
2. Developing Protocol-Based Programs Dr. Mike emphasizes that aftercare programs must be protocol-based to...

"Enhancing Healthcare Collaboration: "Mastering Communication Strategies for Medical Exercise Success" - Post 2

The Role of Communication in Building Medical Relationships

Effective communication is the cornerstone of developing strong relationships with healthcare providers. For medical exercise professionals, maintaining regular and clear communication with medical professionals is essential for collaboration and client care.

Regular Progress Reports

Submitting regular progress reports is a key strategy. These reports keep healthcare providers updated on the progress of their patients who are also your clients. Detailed, accurate reports highlight the benefits of the exercise programs you design, reinforcing the value of your expertise.

Personal Introductions

When submitting reports, consider introducing yourself personally. A phone call or a brief meeting can help build rapport. Healthcare providers are more likely to trust and refer clients to professionals they know and...

This video provides valuable insights into building a successful Medical Exercise (ME) practice, focusing on the types of programs to offer. This is Tip #21 from the MET 101 eBook, which aims to assist medical exercise professionals, fitness professionals, physical therapists, and chiropractors in enhancing their practices.

Dr. Jones highlights several essential programs for a Medical Exercise Training (MET) practice:

• Dynamic Back School: Includes proper lifting mechanics, anatomy and pathology discussions, and supervised exercises for lumbar flexibility, stability, and strengthening.
• Hypertension and Diabetes Program: Combines group training with lifestyle education to help clients manage their conditions effectively.

Additionally, Dr. Jones recommends several other programs to expand an ME practice:

• Women's Fitness 101: Targets postnatal care and upper extremity strength, providing necessary support for new mothers.
• Total Joint Replacement and Arthritis Training: Prepares...

The True Measure of a Medical Exercise Professional: Consistency and Competence

In recent years, the fitness industry has seen a proliferation of certifications for medical exercise, medical fitness, and post-rehabilitation. The growing demand for highly qualified medical exercise professionals is undeniable. However, the critical question arises: are these certifications, and the individuals who obtain them, truly prepared to work in conjunction with medical professionals and manage medical conditions through exercise?

Since its inception in 1994, the Medical Exercise Training Institute has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive medical exercise and post-rehabilitation education. METI has highlighted six essential competencies medical exercise professionals must master to deliver effective and safe exercise management.

The Six Must-Have Competencies

1. Competence in Medical Exercise Sciences: Understanding a wide range of medical conditions is crucial. A medical exercise...

MET 101 Tip 20: Opening Your Medical Exercise Training Practice

Hello, Medical Exercise Professionals! In our latest video, Dr. Mike Jones dives into the exciting topic of establishing your own medical exercise training (MET) practice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, here are some key takeaways from Tip #20 in our MET 101 series.

Explore Your Options:

1. Solo Practitioner: Many MET professionals begin their journey as solo practitioners, often providing services from their homes or at clients' locations. This low-cost, flexible option allows you to build a solid client base and develop essential referral relationships.
2. Home Studios: Transforming a part of your home into a dedicated MET studio can be an excellent way to manage overhead costs while providing a professional space for clients. Glenn Foley's successful home studio in Mississauga, Ontario, is a great example.
3. Commercial Space: Leasing a commercial space offers greater flexibility and the potential...

The Medical Exercise Training Institute is happy to announce the release of the Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist Manual (AMES Manual), the ultimate solution for medical exercise training (MET) professionals who often find themselves as the "Lone Ranger" managing complex exercise clients with little support and few resources tailored to their needs.

The challenges of addressing the unique requirements of MET clients are significant, and without comprehensive guidelines and protocols, achieving effective, evidence-based outcomes can be daunting. The AMES Manual fills this critical gap by offering a wealth of easy-to-reference, detailed information designed to streamline your practice and enhance your professionalism. Empower yourself with proven systems and standards that ensure you are never alone in delivering exceptional MET services. Here are the “Top 10 Reasons” to purchase the AMES Manual.

1. MET is Growing & Here to Stay
• Join a thriving and...