Houston Chiropractic Offers New Technology to Lower Workers’ Comp Claims

Dr. Rene Lasanta is reportedly the first health care professional in Texas to implement a comprehensive new evaluation and treatment system that will aid in lowering workers’ compensation claims and associated costs in Texas.

The D.R. Program, also known as the “Discovery to Recovery Program,” focuses on early detection and rapid intervention to reduce the impact of work related injury and disease.

Incorporating two new and innovative technologies, the D.R. Program uses an enhanced functional capacity evaluation device called the Myogauge, and combines it with an FDA cleared laser therapy system, called the MicrolightLaser to achieve top results.

The Myogauge is a state-of-the-art computerized functional capacity evaluation system. It is reportedly the most accurate and objective range of motion and isometric testing system available, certified by an independent laboratory testing as providing reproducible analysis. It provides complete analysis and data summary reports of the digital measurements from the testing data using MyoGauge’s exclusive reporting software. The test results reflect digital measurements and documentation of a patient’s impairment.

As the “Discover” component of the D.R. Program, the MyoGauge provides evaluation data for musculoskeletal compromise that may not be noticeable in the early stages of impairment by traditional X-ray or MRI examination. This data provides valuable information on the type and level of injury at a very early stage, and throughout the treatment plan, making treatment reportedly more effective and less expensive.

Providing the “Recovery” component of the D.R. Program, the MicrolightLaser cold laser is used to help treat musculoskeletal conditions discovered by the MyoGauge. Low level (cold) lasers have been used internationally for more than 20 years for the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions including soft tissue injuries, neck pain, repetitive stress injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, tendonitis, hamstring injuries, arthritis, plantar fascitis, lateral epicondylitis and wound healing. More than 800 clinical studies reportedly speak to the validity and efficacy of laser therapy. However, it was not until 2002, after the FDA approved lasers for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and related health problems, that they became readily available in the United States.

According to NIOSH, an employer with 100 employees has a 3% incident of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and can expect:

Cost Savings for Employers, Employees and Insurance Providers

Testing 100 X $45.00 = $4,500.00
Final Evaluation 5 X $100.00 = $500.00
Laser Therapy 3 X $2000.00 = $6000.00
Total cost of treatment = $11,000.00
Savings of $34,000.00

The new D.R. Program, now being put into place at Dr. Lasanta’s office, is reportedly an effective and far less expensive alternative for the early intervention and treatment for a wide variety of workplace related injuries. Because such conditions can now be discovered at a much earlier stage and treated at a significantly lower cost to the employer with a higher and earlier return to function, employers are reportedly able to return to work sooner and stronger.