APRIL 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
ALMOST A YEAR TO THE DAY... In early March of 2020 Sandra, Blake and I started on the “trip of a lifetime!” We were aware of the news regarding COVID-19, however most of the reports were coming from somewhere else.
Sandra and I were extremely fortunate to have spent our honeymoon in Hawaii in 2000. The place was the closest rendition of paradise either of us had ever imagined. Welcomed by the people, enchanted by the natural beauty, and awed by spectacular weather, we made the commitment to return on our 10th anniversary. We had no idea that in June of 2010, the year of our 10th anniversary, we would welcome our son Blake into our lives. Life, as we imagined it in 2000, had taken a few unexpected turns, and creating a family was a little more complicated than we had anticipated. Once we knew Sandra was pregnant we changed our goal of returning on our 10th anniversary to our 20th anniversary! We figured any ten year old would, of course, love Hawaii. As the travel date approached we debated if we should go. The virus and news about it was spreading fast…..except in Hawaii, which had yet to report a single case. And so, in March 2020, we finally embarked on our long-awaited journey back to Hawaii. The initial part of the trip was fantastic. We swam with sea turtles while snorkeling at a local beach. The whale watch off Maui found us surrounded by migrating Humpbacks! The people and the weather were both as nice and charming as we remembered. The news, however, was not good at all, and getting worse by the day. In the span of two weeks Covid had exploded in the US, particularly in New York. I was suddenly in constant contact with PTSMC leadership as the storm of 2020 began to take shape and forever alter all of our lives. The six-hour time difference added another layer of complexity to communication and decision making. Fearing for my family and my “PTSMC family,” I made the decision to return home early.
As luck would have it, our return flight would put us in Salt Lake City at 6:30 AM on March 18th. While awaiting a connecting flight, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Utah at 7:09 AM – the epicenter was less than 10 miles from the airport. Our first experience with an earthquake started with what sounded like a large explosion followed by a prolonged rumbling growl. As I watched people stumble to the ground, ceiling tiles began to rain down and the main power went out. My first thought was a terrorist attack or a plane crash. Within minutes people in the terminal started sharing reports of the earthquake, and over the next 40 minutes two significant aftershocks rocked the area again. Security made the decision to close all airport buildings and escorted everyone out to the parking lot. Approximately eight hours later we were back in the terminal and finally boarding our flight home.
Wellness Program #GetMoving March On Challenge NEW SECTION - Employee Spotlight Get to know Stephanie Santos, Watertown Physical Therapist
StriveHub Fab 5
“Emily (Hansen)'s caring attention to my specific needs far surpass other Physical Therapists with whom I've worked in the past. She is incredibly knowledgeable and when I'm having difficulty, she immediately accommodates for my needs, making As a family, we spent time around the new year reflecting on the things adjustments to the treatment plan, as we were thankful for in 2020. One constant on all our lists was Hawaii. needed. In only two weeks, I have surged forward improving!” - Simsbury The pictures and stories of the trip immediately bring back vivid memories full of adventure and joy. Interestingly, the intensity of the fear and uncertainty that became a large part of our lives in 2020 has started to fade. It is becoming harder to relive those parts of last year, and for that I am grateful.
Personally, I am trying to hold the positive aspects of the year close at hand while allowing as much of the pain and challenges we faced to become a distant memory. Thanks for all you do.
Patient Trends New Patients per Month Thank you for all the awesome feedback in the PULSE survey! Our survey set out to find out if PTSMC employees are reading the PULSE and if they are, what parts do they like best.
Do you like to write? Want to be a part of the PULSE? The PULSE committee invites employee contributions. Articles could be about experiences as a PTSMC employee, tips on extraordinary service delivery, time management, organization, problems solved and funny anecdotes, or even personal interests. Reach out to Emily Fillion at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com to contribute!
HR Buzz April 2021 HR Questions Memorial Day Holiday May 31st Submit Your BRAGS
As I reflect on the trip, clearly it was a “once in a lifetime” experience in many of the ways we had hoped and dreamed about for 20 years. It was also extraordinarily different than anything imaginable in January of 2020.
Alan
The 89 responses affirmed that the PULSE is being read and adds value as a PTSMC communication tool while providing a balance of company info and fun. Great ideas and suggestions came out of the survey, and we are already implementing some of them in this issue: • Employee spotlight • Clinician's Corner variety
Clinician’s Corner by Erin Carlson Neurotology and Physical Therapy: Doc Talk with Dr. Marc Eisen, Hartford Healthcare Neurologist
Visits per Month
Blue = Actual | Orange = Budgeted
“The customer service is beyond fantastic. From the heartfelt greeting I receive from Jacky (Severance) when I enter to the goodbyes I receive from the Physical Therapists and PT Aides and even some patients when I leave. The physical therapists are knowledgeable and explain what’s going on physiologically/biologically as well as seek consistent feedback in order to tailor your sessions to your specific need. The atmosphere is friendly and humorous. The staff are considerate and kind and the appointments are on time. PTSMC is excellent. I owe my rehabilitation to them.” - Middletown “Colleen (Menard) is the best! After a few visits, my issue was totally fixed. She also makes her patients feel comfortable, and the whole staff provides a warm, welcoming environment in general.” - New Milford “Kind and friendly staff listens to clients issues and works with them to fit their needs. Everything is cleaned before the next person and there is hand sanitizer available. Masks are worn at all times.” - Westbrook “Danielle (Butsch) was super helpful, always willing to answer questions and smiling all the time even they seem to be very busy; every one is helpful and nice!” - Lock Street
CLINICIAN’S CORNER
NEW SECTION!
NEUROTOLOGY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY: DOC TALK WITH DR. MARC EISEN, NEUROTOLOGIST WITH HARTFORD HEALTHCARE By Erin Carlson, PTA Physical Therapist Assistant at PT for Life Southbury On Tuesday, March 16, over 20 PTSMC and PT for Life clinicians attended a virtual case study discussion with Dr. Marc Eisen from Hartford Healthcare. Below, PTSMC Southbury's Erin Carlson provides a brief synopsis of the discussion. If you would like to see the entire presentation, you can access a recording here: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/qHjsaH9m7h/? What is neurotology and why is it important to physical therapy? Neurotologists are otolaryngologists (ENTs) that are trained specialists in treating the inner ear. Neurotologist’s practice includes performing otologic surgery, performing the implanting of hearing devices such as cochlear implants, and management of “the dizzy patient.” They are trained in the medical and surgical care of patients regarding conditions such as vestibular neuritis, BPPV, Meniere’s disease, and acoustic neuroma. Dr. Eisen specifically spoke about the diagnosis and management of “the dizzy patient” and distinguishing between treatments with physical therapy and when/why a patient would need referral to neurotology as well as discussing with clinicians regarding specific cases we have seen in PTSMC clinics. Personal Takeaways:
What made you want to be a Physical Therapist? I always saw PT as an extremely rewarding career. I’ve been in and out of PT since high school dealing with soccer injuries and really looked up to my physical therapist for getting me back to what I love to do. What's an interesting skill you have? I love to play soccer. I played at the collegiate level at the University of Hartford, pro amateur level with New England Mutiny, and internationally with the Women’s Portuguese National Team. I currently play for CT Fusion, a pro amateur team based out of Farmington, CT. What’s your favorite thing you did this summer? Jetskiing and spending time with family. If you could travel to anywhere in the world where would you go? Greece
It was interesting learning about the close link between our practices as well as the ability to refer out to neurotology as needed. Dr. Eisen offered to let us join him in a day at the office to observe his assessments and care which is an amazing opportunity to gain more knowledge and insight for treating our patients. Clinical Applications: If suspecting Meniere’s Disease, it is advised to refer out to a Neurotologist rather than to treat with physical therapy based on patient outcomes as vestibular therapy has been found to not be helpful for that particular disorder. Dr. Eisen discussed the importance of PT and the outcomes he has seen with “the dizzy patient.” We discussed possible cases of bilateral BPPV and importance of treating one side at a time. We also discussed how anxiety plays a large role in getting these patient moving again and improving tolerance to activities, thus improving function. Additionally, we discussed chronic unilateral vestibular loss and the slow progressive onset of disequilibrium associated with this. Other topics included the treatment of acoustic neuroma and how PT can play a role post-surgery in regards to balance, gait, and overall function.
What population or specialization for physical therapy is most interesting to you and why? I have a particular interest in sports medicine and working with athletes, especially soccer players. I’ve lived it and love to provide any kind of support or feedback I can throughout the rehab process, including both physical and psychological components that come into play with sports injuries. If you could have any super power what would you choose? Flight If you had your own talk show, who would be your first 3 guests? Cristiano Ronaldo, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Hart
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses INTERNAL COURSES
PTSMC SPONSORED COURSES
Lumbar - 8 hour Saturday, April 24, 2021 8:30 am - 5:30 pm PTSMC Guilford Taught by Brian Greer & Melissa Boutagy *3 spots still available
Myopain Trigger Point Dry Needling-1 June 25-27 PTSMC Shelton
Upper & Lower Extremity 8 hours/ 4 hours per subject August 2021 PTSMC Clinic TBD DOCS participants can attend one subject or both Concussion: A Framework To Guide Evaluation & Treatment October 23-24 PTSMC Orange Taught by Rick Purdy Not a DOCS course Email Mallory at coned@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE
Apply for PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency!
PTSMC Residency is focused on: • Growing and honing clinical delivery skills • Preparing for orthopedic board certification exam • Preparing for potential future PTSMC clinic ownership or leadership role
Residents who successfully complete the program will continue their professional development in the PTSMC Leadership Development Management Program. Program Details: • 3 hours weekly didactic instruction (45 weeks total) • 3 week Evidence Based Practice and Statistics Course • 14 week Lower Extremity Course (Foot/Ankle, Knee, and Hip) • 14 week Spine Course (Lumbopelvic, Thoracic, Cervical, and TMJ) • 14 week Upper Extremity Course (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist/Hand) • 1 hour monthly case discussion • 1 hour monthly journal club • Coursework (300 hours combined lecture/lab & home study) • External home study courses from the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy • Current Concepts in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, Pharmacology, Clinical Imaging, Frontiers in Orthopedic Science, and Post Operative Management of Orthopedic Surgeries The one year Orthopaedic Residency program is completed while maintaining a clinical care schedule. PTSMC offers two options for clinical care: • 40 hour work week (four 10 hour days) and maintain full salary • 32 hour work week (four 8 hour days) with salary 80% of full-time salary. The other 8 hour day is devoted to didactic instruction, clinical mentorship, journal club, and case discussion Repayment plans and service forgiveness options are available for clinicians interested in PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency. Please inquire for more information. Applicants will be evaluated on the following: • Curriculum Vitae/Resume • Personal Essay Statement • Interview with faculty • Two Professional letters of recommendation from faculty and/or work managers (Relationship of recommenders to you must be in a supervisory capacity) ***Applicants must have a valid PT license prior to the start of the residency program***
Clinicians: More school requests are coming up for 2021. No better way to give back to the PT profession than by educating future clinicians!
Learn more and apply online at: www.ptsmc.com/residency
Reach out to Juliann Chacko, Physical Therapy Student Program Coordinator for more information: juliann.chacko@ptsmc.com
Deadline to apply is August 31, 2021! Acceptance decisions will be made in October 2021 for start date in December 2021. Please email Danielle Dunn at danielle.dunn@ptsmc.com with any questions.
HUMAN RESOURCES For 2021, the May and November PULSE will include BRAGS.
APRIL 2021 HR QUESTIONS
Employees who would like to change their federal or state deductions can do so by going to the Paychex dashboard
Click here
Now is the time to BRAG a little about your co-workers and how their PT for Life actions are making a difference in someone’s life. Please take a few moments to “boast” about that coworker. Below are suggested areas for recognition: • Special things they are doing to help the clinic • Special things they are doing to help a patient • Special things they are doing to for another person linked to PTSMC
Click on Taxes
Employees will be recognized in the May PULSE, receive a written recognition and gift card mailed to them. You can choose to have your name stated or remain anonymous in the PULSE and on the actual recognition.
Click on Federal or State
To make this process easier and to generate increased participation, a template will be emailed to all PTSMC employees the first week of April. Fill out the template and submit your recognition to sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com by Friday, April 23, 2021.
Click on Once you make changes, Paychex will alert you to complete and sign a Federal or Connecticut W4 form and submit to Human Resources. Both forms are located in Human Resources under Company Documents. Complete the forms. For your privacy protection, do not include your SSN. Email the completed forms, password protected, to sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com, and the changes will be made for the following pay period. Changes to your deductions can be done at any time. To find the form:
Click on Click on Company Documents & Links Click Here
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31ST Reminder: for employees working other than a traditional 8 hour day schedule during the Memorial Holiday week May 31st – June 4th , employees are expected to adjust their work and use holiday time.
CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Vaishwan Dave, Windsor Sean Doenias, Newington Libby Liggins, Fairfield Caley Nigro, Lock Street Rory O’Neil, Southbury Sona Pinela, New Haven Isabella Pirola, Southbury Mike Rutt, West Hartford Olivia Schaub, Simsbury Heather Viera, East Hampton
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Physical Therapist Danbury
Athletic Trainer Essex New London
Physical Therapy Aide Examples for adjusting work schedule: Patient Services Coordinator New Haven • An employee working 4 day, 10 hour workdays. In this situation, the employee should Waterbury Watertown adjust their schedule to work 4 eight hour days and use 8 hours of holiday time on Windsor West Hartford the holiday. Westbrook • An employee works a 3 long day and 2 short day schedule. Adjustments may include: Windsor work 4 eight hour days that week or shift days and use 8 hours of holiday time based upon director discretion. Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! • A part time eligible employee, who is scheduled to work 20 hours per week, should Call Jenn or email at Jenn.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com for PT Aide positions. adjust their schedule to work 16 hours and use 4 hours of holiday time. Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in another position.
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Nicole Brissette, Lock Street PT Aide
Gio Colatruglio, Lock Street PT Aide
Samantha Grandich, Lock Street PT Aide
Cailee Mathewson, Groton PT Aide
Cara McCausland, Wallingford PT Aide
Matthew Morton, Westbrook PT Aide
Jillian Henriques, Wallingford PT Aide
Jen Neri, Simsbury Physical Therapist
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Angela Riehl, Branford PT Aide
Liz Rubbo, Guilford Physical Therapist
Jared Schiffer, Wallingford Physical Therapist
NOT PICTURED Rachel Williams, Southington PT Aide
Alexander Bernabe, Fairfield PT Aide Isabella Lanata, Middletown PT Aide Jake Trotter, New Haven PT Aide
Noah Tedeschi, Newington PT Aide
Meet the PTSMC Authorization Team! In the late fall, PTSMC embarked on a pilot to test the feasibility of providing remote authorizations allowing focused attention on obtaining authorizations on a timely and accurate basis, decreasing visit write offs as well as taking the “authorization chase” out of the front desk responsibilities so our PSCs and PSAs can be more patient facing. Our pilot started in our Guilford location and proved very successful. Recognition to Allyson Melillo, the Guilford front desk staff, and clinical staff for having great teamwork to make the dream work! Next offices to implement remote authorizations in January were New Haven, Essex and New London under the leadership of Christine Raffone. Aside from continued tweaking of processes, remote authorizations have proven to meet our objectives: timely and accurate authorizations, reductions in write offs due to unobtained authorizations and our front desk staff are chasing less and are able to focus on our patients in the clinic! Most recently we added Vicki Palmieri to the Authorization team and currently have eight clinics who plan to transition to remote authorizations.
Documentation Tips for Proper Discharge of Patients
APRIL BIRTHDAYS Christina Capito Will Gargone Ali Durand Paulina Davidson Rebecca Tantorski Julia Rubbo Stefanie Cagno Rachel Williams Debra Philcox Abe Abdel-Hack Abbey Roderick Erik Lanese Mylena Cruz Kristin Gilbey Erin Walsh Rick Purdy Cody Morrissey Dan Silva Emily Sargent Carol Corbo Amy Arnio Ashley Figueiredo Emma Belval Jim Hungerford
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Fairfield Westbrook Admin Groton Orange Guilford Admin Southington Naugatuck Lock St New London Waterbury Essex Avon Waterbury New Haven Southbury Waterbury Newington Waterbury Admin New Milford Westbrook Admin
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES
Discharge Summary: includes an objective summary comparing the patient’s status when treatment began to their status at the end of treatment. Utilize lost patient log to stay on top of DCs and Self Discharges. Be sure to include: • Updated HEP • Flowsheets that are signed and properly filled out for all DOS. • Up-to-date Outcome Measures • Collect outcome measure on anticipated last visit • “Quick Discharge” pulls over last outcome measure, on analytics • Email/call patients for outcome measures
Jenna Bouffard Molly Killeen
Athletic Trainer Patient Services Coordinator
Watertown Watertown
PTSMC Happenings!
To welcome Wesleyan students back, Middletown dressed as college students with Rob Bass, physical therapist, as their Professor. From left to right: Physical Therapist Gabby Didiano, PT Aide Ny Miller, Partner & Director Mike Antunes, Rob Bass,PSA Jacky Severance, & PT Aide Maddy Fitzner.
Dr. Christina Allen, Sports Medicine Division Chief and Yale Head Team Physician, was recently treated at our Fairfield clinic. She's pictured here (right) with Rebecca Petrosino, PT, MHS, OCS, COMT, Partner and Director at PTSMC in Fairfield.
Simsbury celebrated their 1 Year Anniversary! Pictured is PSC Betsy Holt with some of the decorations.
Newington had a Spirit Week! They’re dressed for Concert Shirt Day (left) and College Shirt Day (right). Pictured left from left to right: Physical Therapist Christina Mogelnicki, Patient Sam, Physical Therapist Kyle Wolf, Patient Rodney, & PSC/PT Aide Emily Sargent.
Pictured right from left to right: Partner & Director Joe Allen, Kyle Wolf, PT Aide Sean Doenias, Emily Sargent, & PT Aide Ariana Kelly.
Naugatuck celebrated by dressing up their skeleton!
Alyson Whelan, Essex Physical Therapist, posing with her patient Paul, who was so excited to graduate from PT!
SoCIAl Media Sensation Caty Halpin, Sports Medicine Coordinator & Westbrook High School Athletic Trainer
Here’s how PTSMC celebrated St. Patrick’s Day!
Below, New Haven threw a party to celebrate! Pictured are Physical Therapist Andrew Perazella (left), PT Aide Kenzie Cattaruzza (center), and PT Aide Mikayla Raffone (right).
New Milford really jumped into the spirit! Pictured left to right: PT Aide Dannie Pilgrim, Partner & Director Bryan O’Neill, & PSC Meghan Dipisa. A BIG shoutout to Caty for coordinating marketing materials for National Athletic Training Month. With the Athletic Trainers’ help, Caty’s leadership, and pictures from Shelby Howe, Simsbury Health Fitness Specialist, the marketing team put together a weightlifting proper form packet and a packet with specific exercises and stretches for athletes starting sports again. She also helped the marketing team put together AT Profiles to share on social media. Shout out to Hailey Lugo, Waterford High School Athletic Trainer out of New London for the amazing testimonial! Check out the materials on our Facebook page!
PTSMC Wellness CalendaR April Financial Wellness
#GetMoving
MARCH ON CHallenge 48 PTSMC employees have been actively participating in the #GetMoving March On Challenge! With 26 days down and 9 days to go, everyone is crushing this challenge. Motivation, accountability, and fun all coming from the Slack group. Here, weekly challenges and weekend bonus opportunities are posted for everyone to participate in. This is also where challengers post pictures and write ups about their daily activities. Getting active for at least 30 minutes earns challenger their “day” and participation in bonuses add on to their total. Shout out to all challengers participating! As of March 29th, there are 25 challengers who have met the first goal of 20 activities. Many are also on their way to the second level goal of 30 activities. All challengers are working hard toward one of these amazing goals, so next time you see someone who’s is #gettingmoving give them a high-five! Want to join for the final week? Email Mallory at wellness@ptsmc.com and #GetMoving with us!
Month of April
CHALLENGERS Ali Durand Allyson Melillo Amy Demers Becky Sauve Betsy Holt Carole Pimenta Channing Harwood Danica Sadowski Danielle Butsch Danielle Dunn Debra Philcox Emily Fillion Emily Hansen Emma Hart Hailey Lugo Jack Pearce Jake Minor Janet Tarasuk Jen Bastos Jenn Detlefsen Jennifer Neri Julianne Balavender Karen Havlicek Karin Larsen Katy Sullivan Kelley Cahill Kirsten Reaves Kristen Forster Kristin Gilbey Laura Nicklis Lauren MacDonald Lauren Mariotti Mallory Mason Mary Clark Meghan Blanusa Meghan DiPisa Melissa Boutagy Michelle Gallerani Mike Durand Miranda Jasienowski Randi Gallagher Sam Ostrowsky Sandra Boccialetti Sandy Wickman Mason Sara Gareiss Shelby Howe Stef Cagno Stephanie Weyrauch
Admin Admin Branford Naugatuck Simsbury Guilford Plainville New Milford Lock Street Admin & Wallingford Naugatuck Admin Simsbury Groton New London Groton Simsbury Admin Naugatuck Admin Simsbury Admin Admin Groton Orange Essex Danbury Admin Avon Avon Essex Watertown Admin New Haven Naugatuck New Milford Guilford & Admin New London Admin Groton East Hampton Guilford Admin Admin Admin Simsbury Admin Orange