What Is Functional?

It has become almost impossible to write a treatment plan or submit a claim to a third party payer without using the word functional. A speech-language pathologist must identify functional goals, using functional tasks, and show functional gains, or reimbursement for treatment is likely to be denied. This position paper argues that the definition of functional has changed over time and now is becoming synonymous with basic skills. This terminological evolution has far-reaching implications for choosing our treatment candidates and determining treatment goals, as well as dramatically influencing the future of clinical aphasiology.

Key Words: aphasia, functional, health care, treatment, managed care

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