Primary care after spinal cord injury. What every physician should know

Primary care physicians can help patients with spinal cord injury return to the community by accepting them into their practice. The transition from physiatrist to primary care physician after formal rehabilitation is a cooperative effort. Knowing how to treat the common skin, pulmonary, cardiovascular, autonomic, neuromotor, and musculoskeletal complications of spinal cord injury is essential. Just as important is the willingness to address problems of sexual dysfunction and psychosocial issues. If so prepared, primary care physicians can provide excellent care to patients with spinal cord injury and thereby assume an important role in the long-term rehabilitation of these patients.