Driving Simulator / Driver Fitness
Eisenhower Health’s Safe Driving Program is a twofold program designed to facilitate the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Driving Rehabilitation Program
The first, the Driving Rehabilitation Program, utilizes Occupational Therapists to evaluate and treat the patient’s deficits which may impair one’s abilities to safely operate a motor vehicle including: hemiparesis and other physical deficits, inattention, loss of cognitive functions, hemianopia and other visual deficits, decreased ability to process timely, decreased judgment, sensory deficits and deficits in spatial relationships.
Physicians can refer patients with acute conditions that have potential to respond to therapy interventions, which could improve driving related skills. The Driving Rehabilitation program is covered by most insurance providers.
Driver’s Assessment Program
The second, the Driver’s Assessment Program, includes a two-hour one-time detailed assessment of one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, including a battery of tests designed to give the physician feedback regarding the patient’s ability to drive safely. Driving assessments include the testing of one’s visual and perceptual abilities, including distance, acuity, contrast and tracking, as well as one’s reaction times, necessary range of motion, and cognitive abilities. This does not include a behind-the-wheel assessment. While this assessment does not give a simple yes or no answer, it does give the referring physician the necessary tools to assist in making a determination about the patient's ability to drive safely.
Diagnoses which, following the AMA’s recommendations, require an evaluation include right and left cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) and frontal, parietal and occipital lobe lesions with resulting deficits. Additional conditions which may benefit from a driving assessment include dementia, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Peripheral Neuropathy, arthritis, amputations, diabetes and COPD.
Following the assessment, a detailed report will be sent to the referring physician outlining the results of the assessment as well as their effect on one’s ability drive. The physician can then, along with other medical factors and in collaboration with the patient and family members, determine if the patient is safe to operate a motor vehicle. The cost of the Driver’s Assessment is $350.
Podcast
How to Get Started
A physician’s order is required for both programs. Required information to be able to participate includes:
- Valid California driver’s license
- Necessary history and physical information
- DMV printout of the patient's driver’s license status
Locations & Directions
Eisenhower Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
- Dolores Hope Building
- 39000 Bob Hope Drive
- Rancho Mirage, CA 92270-3221
- M-F 7:30 - 5:00 closed from 11:45 - 12:45
- 760-773-2033
