ABSTRACT
The physiatrist has been trained in the team approach to provide rehabilitative care to persons with simple and complex disabilities. The physiatrist should serve as an ally with the life care planner in determining the ideal outcome of rehabilitative care. In addition, if the physiatrist has been the care provider throughout the active rehabilitation treatment phase, he or she also will have insights into the psychosocial issues of the person with the disability that will enhance the life care plan. The physiatrist can also medically case manage the variety of health professionals and treatments that are necessary, especially in cases of catastrophic disability. The physiatrist is an excellent resource to provide rehabilitative care and determine equipment costs.
