Reader response: Utilization of rehabilitation therapy services in Parkinson disease in the United States.

Abstract

We read with interest the article by Fullard et al.1 regarding the utilization of rehabilitation in Parkinson disease (PD). This article presents the most robust data reflecting utilization of rehabilitation by people with PD in the United States, because the authors used Medicare claim records. Rehabilitative therapies are a necessary adjunct to the management of PD. In addition, they are recommended to be prescribed early in the disease process.2 Fullard et al. revealed that rehabilitation is underutilized in the United States compared to other countries.3,4 They also found that Medicare beneficiaries who visited a neurologist often used rehabilitation services more than those with less frequent visits.