Info on contacting physicians for clearance etc.
About to get started independently. I’m not quite sure how the communications with physicians is supposed to work. What steps do we follow to get this information if needed.
Does the personal trainer get the client to obtain the exercise guidelines in some written form from the physician? Or does the PT contact the Dr’s office on their own? If so, do you call or fax the info to them?
I have no idea what to expect when it comes to communicating with medical professionals or their staff. Any info on that will help.
You can give the client a form that they would take to their doctors for clearance to exercise, with or without any modifications, restrictions or other important guidelines. I do it this way to get clearance when necessary based on PAR Q or other risk assessment.
If I find it necessary to work with a doctor for a client’s program (such as for doing rehabilitation) I get paperwork signed by the client that gives me the OK to contact and speak with their doctor. I then contact the doctor’s office and ask them how they would best like me to get that information to them so I can talk to the doctor about the clients health history and what recommendations I should follow as necessary.
Hope that helps!
Jonathan
www.integratedfit.org
Hi Paul,
I do the same as Jonathan. My contract spells out when I require a physician’s approval, and I expect client to obtain it before I train them. There are occasions when the client’s health status changes (eg. surgery) or when I do an assessment and find a red flag (eg. high blood pressure). In that case, I am asking the client to get the approval form signed.
I have space on the form for the physician to wrote in any comments such as modifications or restrictions.
If I get a new client out of physical therapy, the process for the physician’s okay is the same but I usually ask for copies of the exercises with the PT and often try to contact the physical therapist before training.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Paul,
clients usually take it to the office and leave it at the front desk for the doctor to sign. They do no need to make an appointment for this alone but may take it when they need to see the doctor for other reasons.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com