In the 26th tip from the MET 101 eBook series, Dr. Mike addresses a common question among physical therapists: "Can I bill for Medical Exercise (ME) Services?" This tip offers valuable guidance on how to properly structure and seek payment for these services once a patient has been discharged from physical therapy.

Key Points:

1. Distinguishing Patients from Clients:
• Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between patients and clients. Once patients are discharged from physical therapy, they transition to being clients for MET services.
2. Billing for ME Services:
• Physical therapists can bill for MET services through a monthly membership model. It is crucial to communicate clearly with insurance carriers, clients, and referral sources that the services provided are not physical therapy but a structured exercise program.
• The billing should reflect a monthly membership fee rather than using CPT codes, which are typically associated with physical therapy...

As the demand for medical exercise training grows globally, we understand the challenges medical exercise professionals face in setting up their practices and marketing their services. While working with clients comes naturally, the administrative and marketing aspects can be daunting. To support you in these crucial areas, the Medical Exercise Training Institute is excited to offer a special on our documentation and communication package.

Introducing the Essential MET Forms Kit

Starting your practice requires just the essential administrative and assessment forms, and we’ve made it easier and more affordable for you. Our Essential MET Forms Kit includes 10 fundamental forms every medical exercise business need:

1. MET Referral Form
2. Physician's Release Form
3. MET Assessment Summary
4. MET Progress Report
5. Gait/Function Assessment Form
6. MET Training Session Log
7. Release of Information Form
8. Client Intent to Exercise Form
9. MET Medical History Form
10. MET...

Medical Exercise Training: Why Medical Exercise Specialists Will Dominate the Next 20 Years

Over the next two decades, the need for Medical Exercise Specialists is poised for exponential growth, driven primarily by the aging Baby Boomer generation. This demographic shift, combined with several key factors, will elevate the importance and recognition of medical exercise training in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes. Here are seven principal reasons why medical exercise training will see significant growth in the coming years:

1. Recognition from the Medical Community

As the benefits of exercise in managing chronic diseases become more evident, the medical community increasingly recognizes the importance of integrating exercise into management plans. Physicians are beginning to see medical exercise training as a critical component of comprehensive care for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. This growing...

As medical exercise professionals, developing and maintaining strong relationships with medical providers is essential for building a successful practice. In the latest tip from the Medical Exercise Training 101 eBook series, Dr. Mike underscores the importance of integrating structured, protocol-based aftercare programs in physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and other rehab settings.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding the Need for Aftercare Programs Insurance carriers are increasingly reducing reimbursements for physical therapy services, leading to patients being discharged without adequate follow-up care. To bridge this gap, Dr. Mike advocates for the establishment of aftercare programs. These programs provide structured exercise protocols for patients whose insurance benefits have been exhausted but who still require supervised exercise to manage their conditions.
2. Developing Protocol-Based Programs Dr. Mike emphasizes that aftercare programs must be protocol-based to...

"Enhancing Healthcare Collaboration: "Mastering Communication Strategies for Medical Exercise Success" - Post 2

The Role of Communication in Building Medical Relationships

Effective communication is the cornerstone of developing strong relationships with healthcare providers. For medical exercise professionals, maintaining regular and clear communication with medical professionals is essential for collaboration and client care.

Regular Progress Reports

Submitting regular progress reports is a key strategy. These reports keep healthcare providers updated on the progress of their patients who are also your clients. Detailed, accurate reports highlight the benefits of the exercise programs you design, reinforcing the value of your expertise.

Personal Introductions

When submitting reports, consider introducing yourself personally. A phone call or a brief meeting can help build rapport. Healthcare providers are more likely to trust and refer clients to professionals they know and...

In the evolving landscape of fitness and healthcare, the Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist (AMES) Study Group, elevates your skills and knowledge to a higher level. This program, the evolution of the Medical Exercise Specialist Workshop and Certification initiated in 1994, aims to bridge the gap between medical rehabilitation and fitness training.

The Evolution of Medical Exercise

Originally, the Medical Exercise Specialist program focused on transitioning clients from physical therapy into fitness settings, enhancing their functional levels. However, changes in the healthcare system, including further insurance cutbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased the complexity of clients that fitness professionals encounter. These changes have necessitated an advanced approach to medical exercise training.

The AMES Study Group: A Comprehensive Training Series

The AMES Study Group is an extension of the AMES Training Series and AMES Workshop by offering a deeper dive into the...

Are you ready to elevate your medical exercise training practice? Introducing the Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist (AMES) Manual, a comprehensive resource designed to equip you with the essential protocols, guidelines, and skills needed to deliver top-notch medical exercise services. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this manual is a game-changer for your practice.

What's Inside the AMES Manual?

• Extensive Content: With over 1,200 pages, the AMES Manual covers everything from protocols and assessment guidelines to sample documentation forms and medical exercise programs. It’s your go-to reference for managing medically-based clients effectively.
• Resource Library Access: Gain access to a library of step-by-step videos demonstrating procedures for assessing range of motion, strength, and functional capabilities. These resources ensure you perform assessments accurately and confidently.
• Function-Focused Training: The manual emphasizes improving clients'...

MET 101 Tip 20: Opening Your Medical Exercise Training Practice

Hello, Medical Exercise Professionals! In our latest video, Dr. Mike Jones dives into the exciting topic of establishing your own medical exercise training (MET) practice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, here are some key takeaways from Tip #20 in our MET 101 series.

Explore Your Options:

1. Solo Practitioner: Many MET professionals begin their journey as solo practitioners, often providing services from their homes or at clients' locations. This low-cost, flexible option allows you to build a solid client base and develop essential referral relationships.
2. Home Studios: Transforming a part of your home into a dedicated MET studio can be an excellent way to manage overhead costs while providing a professional space for clients. Glenn Foley's successful home studio in Mississauga, Ontario, is a great example.
3. Commercial Space: Leasing a commercial space offers greater flexibility and the potential...

GET YOUR AMES Manual!!

We are thrilled to announce the release of our new Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist (AMES) Manual. This comprehensive reference manual is an essential resource for medical exercise professionals, offering detailed guidelines, protocols, and step-by-step procedures to effectively manage clients with medical conditions through exercise.

Key Highlights of the AMES Manual:

• Comprehensive Resource: With 1,200 pages of in-depth content, the manual provides everything you need to manage medically-based clients. It includes ME protocols, assessment guidelines, documentation forms, and sample programs.
• Practical and Accessible: Designed as a reference manual, it offers easy access to vital information without the format of a traditional textbook.
• Enhanced Learning: Purchase of the manual includes access to a resource library with instructional videos on various techniques like manual muscle testing and functional assessment scales.
• Special Launch Price: For the...

Embracing the Scope and Efficacy of Medical Exercise Training

In the latest installment of our Medical Exercise Training (MET) 101 eBook series, "MET 101 Tip 19” provides a summary of the number of MET sessions per week for a few of the most common medical conditions. The video not only underscores the importance of MET but also emphasizes its strategic role in achieving optimal functional levels in clients.

Understanding the MET Framework

Medical Exercise Training is a specialized exercise service designed not as a perpetual intervention but as a temporary measure to enhance a client's functional capacity. The ultimate goal is transitioning clients back to personal or group exercise routines under professional supervision, once they have achieved their optimal level of function.

Guidelines for Session Frequency

• Arthritic Clients: The journey begins with 1-2 sessions per week, focusing on enhancing strength and flexibility, with adjustments made in increased frequency...