Four Facts About Physiatrists

1. They take a hands-on approach.
Physiatrists (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians) are experts in diagnosing complex neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions through palpation, manual muscle testing and other physical exam techniques.

2. They’re all about function.
Physiatrists utilize exercise prescriptions, injections, medications and assistive equipment to maximize functional independence after injury to ligaments/tendons, bones, muscles, the brain or the spinal cord.

3. They perform minimally invasive procedures.
Some Physiatrists, including CVMC physiatrist and Inpatient Rehabilitation Medical Director Dr. Urzen, use ultrasound to guide needles to areas of injury, including inflamed tendons, compressed nerves, muscle tears, ligament tears and degenerating joints to treat pain and aide in recovery.

4. They treat the whole person, not just the problem area.
They tailor treatment plans to provide multidisciplinary care aimed at the recovery of the whole person by addressing patients’ individualized physical, emotional, vocational and social needs.

MAXIMIZING INDEPENDENCE & QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE IMPAIRED
Our mission at Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Services is to optimize the health and function of individuals with disabilities and/or impairments through a patient-centered continuum of care with the goal of improving quality of life. Our program, led by Medical Director Dr. Jessica Urzen, a physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician), is based in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center where patient care is managed through an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team of colleagues. Dr. Urzen also has an outpatient practice, beginning in September 2017, located in the Wellness Center on the hospital campus, where she provides care for patients after discharge in addition to seeing new patients with sports or neuralgic injuries.

Inpatient Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Services
Located within Catawba Valley Medical Center, our 10-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit has achieved a maximum three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information about making a referral, to request a list of fees, or for a tour of the Inpatient Unit, please call the Admissions Coordinator at 828.326.3100.

Outpatient Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Services
(BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2017)
PM&R Physician, Dr. Urzen, will see outpatients four times per week. For information about Catawba Valley Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or to make a referral, please call 828.732.7249.