Functional assessment testing for maxillofacial prosthetics.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The health industry is now concerned with treatment outcomes and accountability to patients, payers, and referral sources. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the functional tests that are available to maxillofacial prosthodontists and to provide a list of those tests that are applicable in treatment and documentation. METHODS Functional assessment may be used to justify reimbursement on the basis of payer guidelines, define eligibility for service, and judge quality and effectiveness of care. Currently, most maxillofacial prosthodontists do not use functional assessment. A literature search resulted in a list of 125 available tests. On the basis of that list a questionnaire was submitted to speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to identify which tests are being used by them. This article discusses a historic overview of assessment testing and the need for functional assessment testing by the maxillofacial prosthodontist. RESULTS Outcome measurements used by other members of the rehabilitation team are discussed and summarized, and those useful for the maxillofacial prosthodontist are suggested.