IntroductionInterdisciplinary rehabilitation, or care by a team of rehabilitation professionals, has been a core strategy of rehabilitation medicine since its beginning. As a result, quality assessments of these programs universally include evaluating the effectiveness of their interdisciplinary teams.rnRehabilitation programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities originally were institutionally based, an environment that facilitated the communication needed for interdisciplinary care. These programs addressed a full spectrum of problems, including health, physical functioning, psychological adjustment, social integration, and vocational or other significant role participation.rnThe implementation of truly interdisciplinary programs has always been difficult because of this complexity, but recent restrictions in the resources available to provide rehabilitation have increased this difficulty. With less professional time available because of limited funds, the interdisciplinary process is being challenged to show its value, and to be as efficient as possible.This paper discusses the benefits to be gained through the interdisciplinary process, factors that reduce its cost effectiveness and strategies to maintain its advantages at the least possible cost.