Delivery of primary care to the physically challenged

The specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation evolved beyond conventional medical views to include consideration of the needs of the physically disabled person's function and quality of life. A care delivery system of medical rehabilitation programs and services then evolved. Recently, the United States' health care system has been recognized as being deficient in meeting the on-going health care needs of the physically disabled after they have completed medical rehabilitation needs. We discuss the history of the health care needs of the physically challenged and we examine current issues of need and delivery of services. We also describe an innovative model program designed to meet those needs.