Computing Without Pain With the MouseKeyDo System
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Additional FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Workers' Compensation Administrators

  1. What is the MouseKeyDo System?
  2. How is the MouseKeyDo System different from other programs on the market?
  3. What does the MouseKeyDo System include?
  4. On what conditions has the MouseKeyDo System been proven effective?
  5. How does the MouseKeyDo System help workers with computer-related injuries return to productivity?
  6. How does it benefit workers' compensation administrators in particular?
  7. How long does it take to learn the MouseKeyDo System and see results?
  8. How do we know the MouseKeyDo System works, for utilization review requests?
  9. What are the training goals and services the MouseKeyDo System provides?
  10. How much does the MouseKeyDo System cost?
  11. Do you offer any special pricing?
  12. What workers' compensation insurance carriers currently cover the MouseKeyDo System and/or hands-on training by an approved MouseKeyDo provider?
  13. Whose employees use the MouseKeyDo System?
  14. How can my clients use the MouseKeyDo System in their workplace?
  15. How can MouseKeyDo help my clients implement ongoing worksite training programs?
  16. What other training resources does MouseKeyDo offer?
  17. How do my clients order?
  18. How does MouseKeyDo work to further research, prevention, and treatment of computer-related disorders?
  19. How can I learn more about the MouseKeyDo System?


1. What is the MouseKeyDo System?

The MouseKeyDo System is a series of lessons that teach computer users new ways to use the keyboard and mouse, both on a desktop computer and on a laptop, in order to work more productively with less pain. The system is proven effective for preventing as well as managing a wide variety of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

2. How is the MouseKeyDo System different from other programs on the market?

The MouseKeyDo System was developed by Norman J. Kahan, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist practicing in Cupertino, California - the heart of computer-centric Silicon Valley. Dr. Kahan based the System on the way the body naturally moves, drawing from clinical practice, scientific research, and a close study of computer and piano technique. It is the only system that includes a self-paced interactive training manual and CD-ROM teaching a complete set of techniques designed to alleviate discomfort and maximize productivity.

3. What does the MouseKeyDo System include?

The MouseKeyDo System is made up of two parts: a 98-page training manual and an interactive CD-ROM.

Computing Without Pain with the MouseKeyDo System covers 27 step-by-step lessons, with photo illustrations and practice exercises for each lesson. It also contains a discussion of the 12 most common computer-related injuries, a self-assessment quiz, and a training log to help users track their progress. The companion CD-ROM features Dr. Kahan explaining and demonstrating all the techniques and practice exercises in 45 minutes of VHS-quality video. (System Requirements for playing the CD-ROM are compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP Home, XP Professional, Mac OSX, MacOS Classic, MacOS 9.x.)

4. On what conditions has the MouseKeyDo System been proven effective?

This program is especially helpful in restoring productive function to people suffering from nerve entrapment and/or tendinitis due to inflammation. Some of the specific diagnoses that have been successfully eased by MouseKeyDo training include the following:

a. Lateral and medial epicondylitis
b. DeQuervain's tenosynovitis
c. Ganglionic cysts
d. Carpal tunnel syndrome
e. Cubital tunnel syndrome
f. Radial nerve entrapment
g. Thoracic outlet syndrome
h. Myofascial neck and shoulder pain syndrome

5. How does the MouseKeyDo System help workers with computer-related injuries return to productivity?

Studies show that 33 percent of computer-related wrist, arm, and neck pain is caused by improper work habits and computer techniques, even in an office designed to be ergonomically correct. If work habits are the cause of someone's pain, simply treating the symptoms won't solve the problem. The answer is to make permanent changes in the way people use their computers. The MouseKeyDo System was developed to do exactly that. People who use the MouseKeyDo System to manage chronic or acute RSI feel better fast, return to work quickly, and avoid re-injuring themselves in the future.

6. How does it benefit workers' compensation administrators in particular?

In today's health care utilization market, the MouseKeyDo System offers an effective, affordable method of providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to injured and at-risk workers, bringing claims to a fast, cost-effective resolution.
  • The self-guided program allows users to learn the System at the most convenient time and place, even at remote sites where health and safety staff aren't readily available.
  • Users work on their own, reducing the indirect costs of travel to and from the clinician's office.
  • Every user follows the same protocol, enabling clinicians to ensure consistent, efficient standardized training.
  • The System is less costly than other interventions; it requires only a one-time investment and can be used by the injured employee for recurrences at no additional cost.
  • The System actually helps users avoid injury, thus limiting claims.
  • A network of MouseKeyDo providers offers the option of supervised training when needed.

7. How long does it take to learn the MouseKeyDo System and see results?

Most users will require a total of three to six hours to learn the program. Patients can work at their own rate with the training manual and CD-ROM or - for the more symptomatic patient - in conjunction with a disciplined clinical and functional training program supervised by a licensed therapist. Because the System requires users to learn an entirely new set of keyboard and mouse skills, they must practice the exercises for 20 minutes a day. After one or two months, most people find they're working at their previous level - or, because they're no longer experiencing pain, that they're more productive than before.

To learn more about the clinical efficacy of the MouseKeyDo System, read Dr. Kahan's article, "Outcomes of Mouse-Keyboard Training" Part I and Part II.

8. How do we know the MouseKeyDo System works, for utilization review requests?

Following MouseKeyDo training,
  • 89 percent of users reported decreased pain.
  • The average user improved functioning by 25 percent.
  • A number of users who were so impaired they could no longer type at all were able to type for 3.6 hours after completing training.
  • 1.3 years after training, users report they still use the skills they learned, have less pain, and enjoy the same or better function.
  • Using the MouseKeyDo System CD-ROM and manual allowed patients to complete training up to 75 percent faster than without it.

9. What are the training goals and services the MouseKeyDo System provides?

With the MouseKeyDo System, evaluation and training focuses on maximizing function. This complements medical treatment and includes the following goals:
  1. Return to work - achieved through improving work tolerance by increasing endurance, accuracy, speed, and confidence.
  2. Improve soft tissue flexibility and joint range of motion of the neck and upper limbs - achieved through therapeutic exercises and breathing techniques.
  3. Improve sitting posture, balance, and mobility - achieved through dynamic spine stabilization and body mechanics training.
  4. Reduce pain, inflammation, muscle stress, and fatigue of the neck and upper limbs - achieved through manual therapy and training in specific biomechanical and neuromuscular skill patterns for the keyboard, mouse, and laptop.

10. How much does the MouseKeyDo System cost?

The one-time cost for each CD-ROM/training manual package is $125 when billed to workers' compensation insurance.

In addition, if the treating physician prescribes supervised training by a physical therapist or occupational therapist, a separate usual and customary charge is applied using typical health care billing codes (CPT, or current procedural technology, codes). The training generally takes six sessions of 30 to 60 minutes. This is generally covered by both health insurance and workers' compensation insurance, and may require preauthorization. However, if training is offered in-house by employer-based health and safety specialists, it may be offered to employees with no additional cost beyond the time budgeted for the training sessions.

11. Do you offer any special pricing?

Only when not billing the workers' compensation carrier.

12. What workers' compensation insurance carriers currently cover the MouseKeyDo System and/or hands-on training by an approved MouseKeyDo provider?

A partial list of insurance companies currently approving the MouseKeyDo System includes:
Broadspire
Chevron-Texaco
City of San Jose
Concentra
Fireman's Fund
Fremont Compensation
Gallagher-Bassett
GatesMcDonald
Liberty Mutual
 Octagon Risk
Republic Indemnity
St. Paul Fire & Marine
Sedgwick
State Compensation Insurance Fund
State Farm
Travelers
Zurich

The System must be prescribed by a licensed Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).

13. Whose employees use the MouseKeyDo System?

A partial list of our clients includes:

Advanced Micro Devices
Applied Materials
Back Education and Sports Therapy
California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA)
Chevron-Texaco
Cisco Systems
City of San Jose
Commerce One
County of Santa Clara
De Anza College
Department of Motor Vehicles
Foothill College
Hewlett Packard
Hospital Corporation of America - Good Samaritan Hospital
 IBM
Keenan and Associates
Lam Research
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Long Beach Memorial Hospital
Microsoft
Mitsui-Comtech Incorporated
Nektar Therapeutics
Physical Performance Institute
Shell Oil
Solomon Smith Barney
Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC)
Tenet Health Care Foundation - Community Hospital of Los Gatos

14. How can my clients use the MouseKeyDo System in their workplace?

  • Offer the System to high-risk or symptomatic employees as a self-paced training tool or one which complements their doctor's treatment plan right at their own desk at the worksite.
  • Offer onsite training for all injured workers.
  • Offer on-site workshops to all employees to warn them of the dangers of RSI and give them a way to prevent it.
  • Make it available as a reference tool to employees concerned about RSI.

15. How can MouseKeyDo help my clients implement ongoing worksite training programs?

We can teach health and safety personnel to be MouseKeyDo providers and help them implement an ongoing training process to support new employees and those experiencing symptoms of RSI. After training, we will continue to provide continuing education, resources, and support.

In addition, Dr. Kahan is available to lead "Computing Without Pain Live," a PowerPoint presentation that demonstrates the MouseKeyDo System and explains the research behind it. This presentation is a great way to introduce the System to employees, health and safety personnel, and administrators. The PowerPoint slides and an accompanying written script are also available to the staffers trained to lead in-house MouseKeyDo trainings.

If you do not have a health and safety specialist on staff, we can help you find conveniently located health care providers who are authorized by MouseKeyDo to lead trainings. Find a MouseKeyDo provider.

16. What other training resources does MouseKeyDo offer?

  • A MouseKeyDo Training Guide to help health and safety specialists teach the System safely and efficiently
  • Presentation handouts to support training lectures, demonstrations, and workshops
  • Resources and advice on setting up a MouseKeyDo training station
  • Progress logs and quizzes to help trainers track and measure individuals' progress through the training
  • Evaluation forms that compare pre-training and post-training skills for quantifiable results

All of these resources, as well as Dr. Kahan's PowerPoint presentation, are available for download from this web site at no additional charge. This information is password-protected to limit access only to authorized MouseKeyDo providers. Download training resources.

17. How do my clients order?

We have worked with Medical Dynamics and participating providers to develop a simple, fast order system to ensure speedy authorization from workers' compensation carriers. Click here for the order form entitled "How to order the MouseKeyDo System through workers' compensation."

For questions or phone orders, please call us at 650-917-1177.

18. How does MouseKeyDo work to further research, prevention, and treatment of computer-related disorders?

Each year, we donate a portion of our profit from sales of the MouseKeyDo System training manual and CD-ROM to educational institutions and non-profits in the field. For example, we support Ergonomics For Children and Educational Environments (ECEE), a technical committee of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).

19. How can I learn more about the MouseKeyDo System?

Read Dr. Kahan's article, "Technique Addresses Computer-Related RSI." Part I will help you understand the causes of repetitive stress injuries. Part II will explain some of the specific techniques used in MouseKeyDo training.

Find out what other users say about the MouseKeyDo System.




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