Date of Award

6-1993

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas Van Valey

Second Advisor

Dr. James Petersen

Third Advisor

Dr. William Wiener

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Sue Crull

Abstract

This is a comparative case study of occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation services. The purpose of this study is to describe how environmental forces, especially third party reimbursement, shape occupational therapy in terms of organizational form, setting, procedure of services and documentation process. The study will further examine the current external and internal conditions under which vision rehabilitation professionals may develop third party payment, especially Medicare and Medicaid. Based on environment theories and the experience of occupational therapy, the potential impact of such reimbursement on vision rehabilitation services is discussed.

Three forms of data were used in this study: (1) a national survey on third party payment of vision rehabilitation services; (2) secondary data such as historical studies, government reports and previous surveys on occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation service; and (3) data gathered through interviews with related professionals from major national, state or local organizations and government departments.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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