Argentina

Original Editor - Ana Boyland

Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.  Read more.

Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point

Physical therapy in Argentina is involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Patients are referred by orthopedic doctors, neurologists or by regular physician, but sometimes patients can have access to clinics and pay cash.Therapist are enrolled to primary care team involved in multiple roles including health promotion, preventive programs.

In Argentina, access to services largely depends on an individual’s income level. An individual may obtain health care through three predominant schemes: (i) public services in hospitals and state-run ambulatory care centers; (ii) insurance, including mandatory health insurance under the social security system linked to formal employment and “voluntary” private, or “pre-paid” insurance (“ppre-pagas ”); and (iii) directly through out-of-pocket payments to private providers.

Therapist Preparation

Degree/Credentialing

Argentina has so many universities to study Physical Therapy: Universidad de Salvador, Universidad Juan Agustin Maza ( 4 years), Universidad Catolica de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Applicants go to school for 6 years for a licensure in Physical Therapy.The requirements and the documentation requested for Argentine citizens are:complete an application online, personal interview require prior to registration, proof of completion of secondary education, photocopy of ID and  two 4x4 photographs.

Specialization

The most common spacialty areas are: cardiovacular and pulmonary, geraiatrics, neurology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, sports and women's health. specialization in Kinesiology and Sport Physiotherapy  at University Institute of Greater Rosario lasts 3 years and Master degree in Physical therapy in Pediatrics given at San Pablo University and the admission profile diplomaand/ or graduate Physiotherapy, working or interestes in working in the field of pediatrics.

Professional Associations

Sociedad Argentina de Fisioterapia, Argentina Association of Kinesiology member of the WCPT, American association of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology.

Information about the Patient Community

Physical Therapist serve a wide population from children to elderly patients.

The analysis of mortality by main causes and sex showed that the national mortality rate from heart disease fell from 10.9% between 1990 and 199.In the same period, the mortality rate from cerebrovascular diseases and accidents also showed significant decline with falls of 16.7% (80.8 vs 69.2 per 100,000 population) and 16.4% (32.6 vs 28,0 per 100,000) respectively. Malignant tumors showed a decrease of lesser magnitute, going from 143.7 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 141.6 per 100,000 in 1996. Heart diseases, malignant tumors and cerebrovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of death for both sexes.In population 65 and older, heart disease remained the leading cause of death in 1990-1995. Tumors and cerebrovascular diseases were the second and third causes of death, and pneumonia and influenza mortality increased 21.0%.

Chronic and degenerative diseases together with trauma account for the majority of argentina's burden of disease, especially in large urban centers. Among these, cardiovascular disease, motor vehicle accidents and tobacco use ( Argentina has the highest prevalence of smokers in the region) stand out. Maternal and child health are of concerns not only because of the high mortality rates and significant inequities, but also because of the potential impact the sector can have in this area. the majority of infant and maternal death in argentina are avoidable through timely prevention interventions, diagnosis and treatment.

Social/Cultural Influences

Argentine culture is a unique blend of European and South American influences, Argentina has been called the most European country in South America, in Argentina the family is the center of the society's social structure,family plays an important role in patient's care, also participate in rehab team. In Argentina social class is the foundation for movement and influence within groups and organizations. Your social class, university affiliations, place oforigin, title or rank, position in the hierarchy, company you work for all of these indicate which social strata you belong to.

Delivery of Care

• Delivery of care depends on economic factor. Patients who cannot afford healthcare they must wait longer than the patient who has good financial situation.
• Physical Therapists offer services at home or private offices.
  

Type of Health System

• Health care in Argentina is overseen by the Ministry of Health. Medical care in large cities is generally good, but in smaller towns and rural areas, hospitals and other facilities may be lacking in modern equipment. Argentina's health service is divided into three sections:

1. Goverment-funded health services.
2. Social security financed through trade unions
3. Private medical sector

The recent economic, political and social crisis affects health sector access.

Goverment funded Health Services

Public health care, which covers approximately 50% of the population, is funded by the Argentinian goverment.The Ministry of Health is responsible for public health services, government hospitals and medical services.Public medical institutions are free of charge for both nationals and foreigners. A patient's identification documents are required.

Social Security

In formal employement, both employers and employees are obliged to pay into a health insurance scheme organised by a trade union. This is the most common form of health insurance in the country. There are numerous schemes run by different unions, all overseen by the National Health Insurance Administration.The unions often do not provide services, but rather outsource to the private sector.This category includes" pre-paid insurance (" pre-pagas")

Private Medical Sector

In Argentina the private sector is thriving but fragmentary, with many establishments and individuals not affiliated with any organization. They provide care mainly to those with private insurance, or those who are part of a national health insurance scheme.

There are wide of private insurers to choose from, both national and international. Some private hospitals inlarge cities provide health plans which expratriates and residents can enroll in.Private health insurance premiums vary depending on age and family needs, as well as the risk that the insured person may represent. in general these companies do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Payment System

Public hospitals vary in quality and efficiency, often making them an inferior option to private institutions. Services and treatment are free, though certain prescriptions need to be paid by the patient.There are many privates clinics in Argentina, mostly of a very high standard. Each insurance company provides a list of the hospitals and clinics covered by its scheme and usually indicates those where English-speaking doctors are available.Patients can make payments through out-of-pocket to private providers as well.Access to health services and medications  is limited, not only for people depending upon the public network, but also for those with insurance coverage.The primary reason for not being able to access health services is the lack of money to purchase medications or to pay the co-payments necessary for medical consultations and health services management (i.e. waiting lines, difficulties in making appointments, etc.).

Resources

WCPT Country Profile for Argentina

References

Argentina The Health Sector in Argentina, current situation and options for Improvement retrieved online at http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTDSRE/Resources/261440AR.pdf on 6/15/2012.

Cultural Differences in Power and Influence from: http://www.theelementsofpower.com retrieved online on 6/15/12.