The Specialized Physical Therapy (SPT) program agreement between First Health and PREFERRED Therapy Providers becomes effective on March 1, 2004 . To avoid confusion, here are some points of clarification:

• At this time, there are only two insurance companies participating in the First Health SPT Program. They are:

» Eagle Insurance, representing employers in AL, AK, AZ, CA, FL, HI, ID, LA, MS, NV, NC, OR, TX, UT, VA and WA

» Liberty Mutual, representing employers in AK, AL, AZ, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OH, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI and WY.

SPT guidelines apply only to these clients, and only in the states indicated.

• The forms that were included in the information sent to our Members are optional forms, developed by PREFERRED in collaboration with First Health to assist our Members in expediting requests for additional visits and proof of medical necessity. These forms are only for the SPT program.

This is a pilot program and your feedback is important to PREFERRED. If you have any further questions regarding the First Health SPT Program, please contact Maritza Wilson at (800) 664-5240 or by e-mail at preferred@preferredtherapy.com.