Waldo County General Hospital is offering driving evaluations to members of the community. Anyone with a doctor’s referral is eligible to have an evaluation conducted at the hospital.
The program is managed by Skip Philbrook, PT, Director of Rehab Services. The O.T. Driver Off Road Assessment Battery (OT-DORA) is completed by occupational therapists on staff. After a brief interview, the following areas are evaluated: range of motion, strength, visual skills, balance, coordination, reaction time and awareness of road laws. Collected data is then submitted for review by the requesting doctor in order to assist in determining if a person is safe to drive or is ready for an on the road test. The assessment lasts about 90 minutes.
“After working with patients for a few years in this community, I have heard multiple individuals and family members express concern about loved ones ability to drive,” said Moriah H. Grant, OTD, OTR/L. “This assessment process is helpful and easy for all those involved. The results of the evaluation will be explained to the patient and family so if they have any questions, they can be answered right away. I hope that this makes this very difficult decision easier for the providers, patients and families.”
“The decision to stop someone from driving can be a very difficult and emotional one for all those involved. This assessment will offer some objective data which can be used to help that process move forward or to show that someone may actually be safe to continue,” said Philbrook. “Either way, it prevents the decision from being totally a judgment call.”
A limited number of insurance providers cover this evaluation. Potential patients or family members should contact their insurance provider to see if the evaluation is covered. Office personnel are able to answer questions about the cost of the evaluation.
For more information, contact the Waldo County General Hospital Rehab Department at 338-9316.