TIRR Rehabilitation Centers Develops Hand And Upper Extremity Injury System

TIRR Rehabilitation Centers (TRC), a TIRR Systems company, became part of a new integrated system of care delivery for the treatment of hand and upper extremity problems in November.

Hand therapists who have been trained specifically for this type of injury are at four of TRC's 16 outpatient therapy locations. Surgeons at Houston Hand & Upper Extremity Center assisted in development of this system, which is designed for diagnosis and treatment of upper extremity problems.

"The integrated team approach partners our skilled hand therapists with Houston Hand & Upper Extremity Center physicians, resulting in better outcomes. Injured workers return to work sooner and lower medical costs are passed to providers because specific injuries are addressed efficiently and effectively," says Robert E. Dalecki, president, TIRR Rehabilitation Centers.

"The injured individual benefits from this structure, and several other parties also benefit. They are the employers and the insurance and worker compensation companies. The patient returns to gainful employment in an expedient manner, restoring the balance in the nation's work force as well as the community," Dalecki adds.

"This system provides both the patient and the payers direct access to the orthopedic specialist and therapist as a team. A specialized team approach means direct solutions, increased communication, and efficient results."

An integrated system provides immediate attention by a specialist soon after the injury occurs. There is a toll-free telephone number which also improves customer service. Injuries addressed include all upper extremity problems, i.e. hand and wrist fractures, dislocations, tendon lacerations, open wounds of the upper extremity, and hand/wrist and shoulder instabilities.

TIRR Rehabilitation Centers locations that have certified hand therapists with years of experience and training in hand and upper extremity treatment are in the Montrose, Town & Country, Pasadena, and East Houston areas. These therapists have developed

specific and unique techniques and protocols in cooperation with the surgical team at Houston Hand & Upper Extremity Center. In addition, the therapists have designed specific splints in collaboration with the surgical team for specific needs of their patients.

- NANCY HUDGINS

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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