What is the mission statement of VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center?
1) We are bringing top quality outpatient NeuroRehabilitative care to disabled military veterans, children, and the underserved. We treat from ages 3 years old and up. Our focus is on those who have difficulty moving secondary to Stroke, Brain Injury,Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, and multiple traumas.
2) In addtion to our individually customized therapy sessions, we will be providing affordable and accessbile physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics (ie. medical prescriptions and advice, injections, spasticity management, electrodiagnostic medicine, osteopathic medicine, acupuncture, coordination of care...).
3) We our using our state of the art Full Motion Gait Analysis Lab, computerized exerercise machines, and other equipment for research. We are creating a research database on all patients being seen that can be shared with the rehabilitative science community. This research will demonstrate that a person's performance and quality of life can always be improved.
Why the spin-off from Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab, inc (MRKLab) to become a non-for-profit? MRKLab is an S. Corporation owned by Dr. Marcus. He is the economic signatory (personally responsible) for the rehabilitation facility. Becoming a non profit opens many doors within the community and helps when coordinating with other non profit organizations for such things as referrals, grants, and research projects.
What is the first step that I should take to get more information? Investigate this website thoroughly. You may also look at some of the photos and videos of progress on some of the work that was done before the conversion at www.MRKLab.com. Free private tours are given to prospective patients and their families. THESE TOURS ARE DONE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. If you would like referrals please feel free to contact us through the contact tab of this website.
What makes VIP NeuroRehabilitation right for me? Am I a candidate for your program? VIP NeuroRehabilitation is not right for everyone. A strong desire and committment to improve is required. We are not a passive facility. You will be an active participant. We do not except patients on a ventillator. Patients should be able to respond to positive reinforcement. Patients should not be prone to pathological fractures. Patients should be medically cleared for physical therapy.
What is Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and why is this branch of medicine important?
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is the branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders -(particularly related to the nerves, muscles, and bones) that may produce temporary or permanent impairment. PM&R provides integrated care in the treatment of all conditions related to any form of disability.
What is a doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrist)? A physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician, is a medical doctor who has also completed residency training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This physician is a nerve, muscle, bone and brain expert who diagnoses and treats injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. The physiatric approach to patient care looks at the whole person and not just one symptom or condition. Rehabilitation physicians do not perform surgery.
What do these initials FAAPMR mean?
"Fellow" requires Board Certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties and indicate being a Fellow in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
What is board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties entail? Board certification demonstrates a medical physician's exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or sub-specialty of medical practice. It signifies a board certified physician's commitment to consistently achieving superior clinical outcomes in a responsive, patient-focused setting. Patients, physicians, healthcare providers, insurers, and quality organizations look for board certification as the best measure of a physician's knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within his or her given specialty.
Board Certified doctors voluntarily meet additional standards beyond basic licensing. They demonstrate their expertise by earning Board Certification through one of the 24 Member Boards that are part of the not-for-profit American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Before a doctor can become Board Certified, each must complete: four years of premedical education in a college or university; a course of study leading to an MD or DO degree from a qualified medical school and three to five years of full-time experience in an accredited residency training program.
Each doctor earns initial Board Certification by passing a written and, in some cases, an oral examination created and administered by the Member Board in his or her specialty. This is just the first step in the career-long learning and assessment process required by the rigorous ABMS MOC® program. To maintain Board Certification, a doctor must actively keep pace with the latest advances in his or her specialty and demonstrate best practices for patient safety, communications and ethics.
What is a D.O.? Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
If you're like most people, you've been going to physicians ever since you were born and perhaps were not aware whether some or all of them were osteopathic physicians, also known as DOs. You may not even be aware that there are two types of complete physicians in the United States—DOs and MDs. The fact is that both DOs and MDs arefully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.
DOs and MDs are Alike in Many Ways
The Osteopathic Approach For more than a century, osteopathic physicians have built a tradition of bringing health care to where it is needed most.
What is a doctor of Physical therapy? Sarah Hickey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPhysio) is a post-baccalaureate three-year degree conferred upon successful completion of a professional (entry-level) clinical doctoral level professional or post-professional (transition) physical therapist education program for the licensed physical therapist. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is conferred by 206 of the nation's 213 US accredited professional physical therapist degree programs. This degree signifies completion of post-baccalaureate requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive 3-year program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical internship
What is a rehabilitation technician? Maria and Kaila are rehabilitation technicians. They are certified trained in the advanced uses of Lokomat (robotic gait trainer), Myomo (robotic elbow), Giger MD (dynamic ergometer), and other therapeutic devices and techniques.
What is your billing policey? Payment is required upfront before any therapy sessions. This may be done via check, cash or credit card. Invoices will be supplied for those submitting to insurance. You are not allowed to bill medicare as we are not a medicare provider.
What is your cancellation policey? 12 hour notice is required or payment is required. Patients are allowed one unexused absence for every 8 visits without charge.
Do you take insurance? We do not take insurance.
However, because this is a physician-run medical facility with physical therapists, patients are given the opportunity to bill and collect from their insurance company. WE ARE NOT A MEDICARE OR MEDICAID PROVIDER THEREFORE YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO BILL THEM. Prescriptions for therapy, reports and diagnosis/treatment codes will be provided.
Why don't you take insurance?
Third party interference about your healthcare from an outside source with a financial interest is inappropriate. Decisions for your health and wellbeing should be made without a financial agenda from outside parties. Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab was designed for patients to have the best opportunity to succeed. ALL staff are dedicated to getting you better. Every patient is treated as an individual, not as a number and a liability.
Are contracts required (like in a gym)?
There are NO contracts required. However, a commitment by the patient to do his or her best to improve IS required. We will be putting forth a huge amount of time, effort and skill in a world class equipped facility to give each patient the best opportunity to improve. Noticeable progress does not happen overnight or by exercising once a week. If the patient is not committed to a home exercise program and/or coming in for a rehabilitation session at least two-to-three times per week then they are NOT a good candidate for this facility. This is not a day spa, family gym or a boot camp. We are not a comprehensive rehabilitative hospital for acute or subacute care. Rather, VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center is a place where patients can participate in a fun rehabilitation plan in a safe and interactive environment. It is a place where they will get serious, customized therapy and objective feedback on their performance from licensed professionals.
Is research done at this facility?
Patient data is used to customize their rehabilitation program and in research as well. We will be developing many new protocols using exciting technologies from specialized equipment imported from all over the world. Collecting patient data will greatly help others with similar conditions. Pictures of yourself or personally identifying information will not be released without your written permission.
Can healthcare providers, researchers, athletes/coaches, case and risk managers use our motion analysis lab or other objective measures for research purposes only?
Yes. However, these types of requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Click on the contact page. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Does Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab offer a tour of the facilities?
Yes, but on an individual, scheduled basis. Security, safety and patient privacy are our upmost priority. Therefore, there are no unauthorized visits.
Does Dr. Marcus write prescriptions for medications?
Yes.
Does Dr. Marcus write prescriptions for narcotics?
NO. I recognize that many patients with disabilities experience pain and that some would benefit from the use of narcotics. If asked, I will give them an opinion on their current medication regimen. I will not write for narcotics as I feel that this may lead to ulterior motives for coming to therapy. If a pain clinic is being held, then narcotics will be written for if they are deemed medically necessary.
1) We are bringing top quality outpatient NeuroRehabilitative care to disabled military veterans, children, and the underserved. We treat from ages 3 years old and up. Our focus is on those who have difficulty moving secondary to Stroke, Brain Injury,Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, and multiple traumas.
2) In addtion to our individually customized therapy sessions, we will be providing affordable and accessbile physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics (ie. medical prescriptions and advice, injections, spasticity management, electrodiagnostic medicine, osteopathic medicine, acupuncture, coordination of care...).
3) We our using our state of the art Full Motion Gait Analysis Lab, computerized exerercise machines, and other equipment for research. We are creating a research database on all patients being seen that can be shared with the rehabilitative science community. This research will demonstrate that a person's performance and quality of life can always be improved.
Why the spin-off from Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab, inc (MRKLab) to become a non-for-profit? MRKLab is an S. Corporation owned by Dr. Marcus. He is the economic signatory (personally responsible) for the rehabilitation facility. Becoming a non profit opens many doors within the community and helps when coordinating with other non profit organizations for such things as referrals, grants, and research projects.
What is the first step that I should take to get more information? Investigate this website thoroughly. You may also look at some of the photos and videos of progress on some of the work that was done before the conversion at www.MRKLab.com. Free private tours are given to prospective patients and their families. THESE TOURS ARE DONE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. If you would like referrals please feel free to contact us through the contact tab of this website.
What makes VIP NeuroRehabilitation right for me? Am I a candidate for your program? VIP NeuroRehabilitation is not right for everyone. A strong desire and committment to improve is required. We are not a passive facility. You will be an active participant. We do not except patients on a ventillator. Patients should be able to respond to positive reinforcement. Patients should not be prone to pathological fractures. Patients should be medically cleared for physical therapy.
What is Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and why is this branch of medicine important?
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is the branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders -(particularly related to the nerves, muscles, and bones) that may produce temporary or permanent impairment. PM&R provides integrated care in the treatment of all conditions related to any form of disability.
What is a doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrist)? A physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician, is a medical doctor who has also completed residency training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This physician is a nerve, muscle, bone and brain expert who diagnoses and treats injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. The physiatric approach to patient care looks at the whole person and not just one symptom or condition. Rehabilitation physicians do not perform surgery.
What do these initials FAAPMR mean?
"Fellow" requires Board Certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties and indicate being a Fellow in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
What is board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties entail? Board certification demonstrates a medical physician's exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or sub-specialty of medical practice. It signifies a board certified physician's commitment to consistently achieving superior clinical outcomes in a responsive, patient-focused setting. Patients, physicians, healthcare providers, insurers, and quality organizations look for board certification as the best measure of a physician's knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within his or her given specialty.
Board Certified doctors voluntarily meet additional standards beyond basic licensing. They demonstrate their expertise by earning Board Certification through one of the 24 Member Boards that are part of the not-for-profit American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Before a doctor can become Board Certified, each must complete: four years of premedical education in a college or university; a course of study leading to an MD or DO degree from a qualified medical school and three to five years of full-time experience in an accredited residency training program.
Each doctor earns initial Board Certification by passing a written and, in some cases, an oral examination created and administered by the Member Board in his or her specialty. This is just the first step in the career-long learning and assessment process required by the rigorous ABMS MOC® program. To maintain Board Certification, a doctor must actively keep pace with the latest advances in his or her specialty and demonstrate best practices for patient safety, communications and ethics.
What is a D.O.? Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
If you're like most people, you've been going to physicians ever since you were born and perhaps were not aware whether some or all of them were osteopathic physicians, also known as DOs. You may not even be aware that there are two types of complete physicians in the United States—DOs and MDs. The fact is that both DOs and MDs arefully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.
DOs and MDs are Alike in Many Ways
- Students entering both DO and MD medical colleges typically have already completed four-year bachelor's degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses.
Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education. - After medical school, both DOs and MDs obtain graduate medical education through internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares DOs and MDs to practice a specialty.
- Both DOs and MDs can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine—such as pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, surgery or ophthalmology.
- DOs and MDs must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses.
- DOs and MDs both practice in accredited and licensed health care facilities.
The Osteopathic Approach For more than a century, osteopathic physicians have built a tradition of bringing health care to where it is needed most.
- D.O.s recognize that the body is inherently capable of healing itself, though it must constantly fight physical, emotional, chemical and nutritional "stressors" to maintain a state of wellness. D.O.s believe in educating you about good health and avoidance of disease. If either occurs, however, D.O.s recognize that medication, surgery, and often OMT are necessary elements of treatment. D.O.s believe that all of the body's systems, including the musculoskeletal system, work together, and that disturbances in one system may impact function elsewhere in the body. This understanding of body structure and organic function is at the core of the osteopathic approach to medicine.
What is a doctor of Physical therapy? Sarah Hickey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPhysio) is a post-baccalaureate three-year degree conferred upon successful completion of a professional (entry-level) clinical doctoral level professional or post-professional (transition) physical therapist education program for the licensed physical therapist. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is conferred by 206 of the nation's 213 US accredited professional physical therapist degree programs. This degree signifies completion of post-baccalaureate requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive 3-year program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical internship
What is a rehabilitation technician? Maria and Kaila are rehabilitation technicians. They are certified trained in the advanced uses of Lokomat (robotic gait trainer), Myomo (robotic elbow), Giger MD (dynamic ergometer), and other therapeutic devices and techniques.
What is your billing policey? Payment is required upfront before any therapy sessions. This may be done via check, cash or credit card. Invoices will be supplied for those submitting to insurance. You are not allowed to bill medicare as we are not a medicare provider.
What is your cancellation policey? 12 hour notice is required or payment is required. Patients are allowed one unexused absence for every 8 visits without charge.
Do you take insurance? We do not take insurance.
However, because this is a physician-run medical facility with physical therapists, patients are given the opportunity to bill and collect from their insurance company. WE ARE NOT A MEDICARE OR MEDICAID PROVIDER THEREFORE YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO BILL THEM. Prescriptions for therapy, reports and diagnosis/treatment codes will be provided.
Why don't you take insurance?
Third party interference about your healthcare from an outside source with a financial interest is inappropriate. Decisions for your health and wellbeing should be made without a financial agenda from outside parties. Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab was designed for patients to have the best opportunity to succeed. ALL staff are dedicated to getting you better. Every patient is treated as an individual, not as a number and a liability.
Are contracts required (like in a gym)?
There are NO contracts required. However, a commitment by the patient to do his or her best to improve IS required. We will be putting forth a huge amount of time, effort and skill in a world class equipped facility to give each patient the best opportunity to improve. Noticeable progress does not happen overnight or by exercising once a week. If the patient is not committed to a home exercise program and/or coming in for a rehabilitation session at least two-to-three times per week then they are NOT a good candidate for this facility. This is not a day spa, family gym or a boot camp. We are not a comprehensive rehabilitative hospital for acute or subacute care. Rather, VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center is a place where patients can participate in a fun rehabilitation plan in a safe and interactive environment. It is a place where they will get serious, customized therapy and objective feedback on their performance from licensed professionals.
Is research done at this facility?
Patient data is used to customize their rehabilitation program and in research as well. We will be developing many new protocols using exciting technologies from specialized equipment imported from all over the world. Collecting patient data will greatly help others with similar conditions. Pictures of yourself or personally identifying information will not be released without your written permission.
Can healthcare providers, researchers, athletes/coaches, case and risk managers use our motion analysis lab or other objective measures for research purposes only?
Yes. However, these types of requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Click on the contact page. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Does Medical Rehabilitation & Kinematics Lab offer a tour of the facilities?
Yes, but on an individual, scheduled basis. Security, safety and patient privacy are our upmost priority. Therefore, there are no unauthorized visits.
Does Dr. Marcus write prescriptions for medications?
Yes.
Does Dr. Marcus write prescriptions for narcotics?
NO. I recognize that many patients with disabilities experience pain and that some would benefit from the use of narcotics. If asked, I will give them an opinion on their current medication regimen. I will not write for narcotics as I feel that this may lead to ulterior motives for coming to therapy. If a pain clinic is being held, then narcotics will be written for if they are deemed medically necessary.
