Physical therapy utilization, costs, and return-to-work status following lumbar spine surgery: A retrospective analysis of workers compensation claims in Australia

Abstract

Background: No study to our knowledge has explored physical therapy utilization following lumbar spine surgery in a workers' compensation setting.

Objectives: Describe physical therapy utilization and costs, and return-to-work status in patients following lumbar spine surgery under a workers' compensation claim.

Methods: Using data from the New South Wales (NSW) State Insurance Regulatory Authority (Australia), we audited physical therapy billing codes for patients who received lumbar spine surgery from 2010 to 2017. We summarised, by fusion versus decompression, the number of physical therapy sessions patients received up to 12 months post-operatively, total cost of physical therapy and time to initiation of physical therapy. Number of physical therapy sessions and physical therapy utilization at 12 months were summarised by return-to-work status at 12 months.

Results: We included 3524 patients (1220 had fusion; 2304 decompression). On average, patients received 22 ± 22 physical therapy sessions to 12 months post-operatively (mean cost=AU$1902, US$1217); 24% were receiving physical therapy at 12 months. Most had 9-24 (31%) or 25-50 sessions (25%); 11% had > 50 sessions, whereas 11% had no physical therapy. Patients who had fusion (compared to decompression) had more physical therapy and incurred higher physical therapy costs. Time post-surgery to initiate physical therapy increased from 2010 to 2017. Patients with > 50 sessions and still having physical therapy by 12 months were least likely to be working.

Conclusions: For most patients, physical therapy utilization following lumbar spine surgery aligns with the best available evidence. However, some patients may be receiving too much physical therapy or initiating physical therapy too early.