FEBRUARY 2018
-COMING UP THIS MONTHThursday, February 8 12:00 pm Samantha Huebner presents “Oh My Aching Joints” at Valley Shore YMCA
ON THE ROAD: THE GRAHAM SESSIONS
I recently had the good fortune of attending the 11th Annual Graham Sessions in San Diego, CA. I have written about these meetings in the past, but as a refresher, the Graham Sessions are an open forum “think tank” approach to identifying and discussing the challenges and opportunities PT faces as a profession. Topics are often introduced and discussed with a panel of three presenters taking positions on a “big picture topic.” The facilitator of the sessions asks that the presenters take opposing viewpoints; controversial opinions are encouraged. Once the topic has been framed, an open mic process begins. Anyone invited to attend has three minutes to advance, dispute, clarify, or oppose anything that has been said. The meetings are capped at 150 APTA members from across the country, with the goal of using the two days to encourage “cutting edge and controversial” dialogue and debate. “Collaboration,” a topic that has made the agenda in the past, surfaced again this year, though it looked a lot different than it did five or six years ago. Not long ago the idea of collaborating with physician groups, hospitals and healthcare systems was viewed as negative by the majority. This year the tone of the conversation was very different.
Monday, February 12 12:15 pm Melissa Lembo presents “Oh My Aching Joints” at Branford YMCA Wednesday, February 14 Happy Valentine’s Day! Sunday, February 25 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Plainville and Southington clinics at Healthy Family FunFest
The shifting attitudes appear to be driven by three factors: • Payment changes that appear to be moving to performance-based criteria, shared risk, etc. • The consolidation of healthcare providers for “efficiency and savings” • The consumer (employers and individuals) wanting to understand and participate in the healthcare process The next several years will be interesting when it comes to collaboration. As the largest private practice in Connecticut, PTSMC is well positioned to evaluate the opportunities and risks associated with strategic relationships. Our continued commitment to unmatched experiences, clinical excellence and lifelong relationships is what has created our reputation and strength in the communities we serve. We are in a good place and I am confident the year ahead will be a great one!
Several people spoke in the open forum and confessed to everything from seeking hospital partnerships to having created physician joint ventures. Contracting to provide services to a larger group, hospital or health system moved from the shadows of ridicule to the bright lights of Thanks for all you do, opportunity!
StriveHub Fab 5 Our patients love us!
Always a lovely experience with the PT staff and a thorough education on how I need to exercise to improve my back and neck pain. - Southbury patient Knowledgeable and effective and great people! Love them! - Watertown patient Jason and the crew really know their stuff, and it shows they stay up on their knowledge, share best practices and ensure they’re providing the best possible care with the right balance of being aggressive vs. conservative. Other institutions are just too conservative, and as a knowledgeable customer, I can tell a provider hasn’t mastered their subject. Best of all, the 1-on-1 customer experience and consultative approach is awesome. I truly love going here, and I would only trust my short and long term rehabilitation care to this team. - Windsor patient Great staff. Especially love Meagan and Emma. I had to reschedule appointments and the staff member who helped me was kind, too. - Westbrook patient Love the feeling the people give. It’s a great place to feel better with all of the experience from the front to the back. Love this place!! - Plainville patient
And the EMR is...
After four years of PTSMC being a divided EMR state, the organization is making the BOLD move to one platform for our EMR (Electronic Medical Records). All PTSMC clinics will be on WebPT! PTSMC first entered the world of EMR with WebPT back in June of 2011. For those around in 2013-2014 (who have not blocked this time from their memory) we briefly began a transition of all clinics to R4 from WebPT. This was a very dark time at PTSMC for documentation. Some reversed their course back to WebPT while others stayed with R4. We are thrilled to announce our move to WebPT for scheduling and documentation for three major reasons: 1. One organization, one system! The opportunity to have everyone on the same platform creates consistency through the organization for many things; training, operational processes and auditing just to name a few. 2. Healthcare is moving in an accelerated direction toward value based care. It is imperative that PTSMC participate in a formal process to measure our treatment so that we can know and show how awesome we are as clinicians and to identify where perhaps we need to improve in our treatment methods.
This information is increasingly valuable for contracting discussions with insurance companies, collaboration discussions with hospital networks and ACO’s and for marketing purposes with our referral sources. WebPT has built into its EMR this outcomes tracking tool. 3. While BMS has been an excellent business partner on the billing side, WebPT is clearly a more progressive company with an eye on utilizing the latest technology and features to support physical therapy’s place in the healthcare continuum. WebPT is perceived as an EMR for the PT by the PT. It is easy to document in, easy on the eyes, has dictation capabilities, has recently partnered with our partner StriveLabs and they have a very proactive development strategy of getting as paperless as possible, which aligns with PTSMC’s strategy. In February, East Hampton, Naugatuck, Southbury, Southington and Wallingford will be transitioning. Guilford will transition in March. We know from past experience that transition of an EMR system is not always seamless or smooth. Thanks in advance to the staff in these clinics for the extra work and attention to detail it will take to successfully complete this awesome change.
CLINICIAN’S CORNER BY MICHAEL LYNCH, PT, DPT
Ensuring a Safe Return to Sport in Athletes Following ACL Reconstruction For individuals working in the world of physical rehabilitation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures are a commonly seen injury. They are more frequent in athletes who participate in sports involving cutting, pivoting, or contact. One of the more challenging areas for a clinician, when working with athletes following ACL reconstruction surgery, is determining when it’s safe for the athlete to return to competitive sports. We all want to see our ACL patients return to their sports and activities, and perform at a high level. So, what criterion can we use to ensure a safe and effective return to sport? While there may not be a perfect list of criteria to meet, a recent article published in JOSPT sheds some light on the subject. The study, Young Athletes Cleared for Sports Participation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: How Many Actually Meet Recommended Return-to-Sport Criterion Cutoffs, looked at 115 adolescent athletes who had previously undergone ACL reconstruction surgery to see how many athletes met recommended return to sport criterion. The report also followed up to see how they were performing one-year post-return to sport. The criterion for return to sport includes 90% limb symmetry index (LSI) of quadricep and hamstring strength, 90% LSI single leg hop tests, and an IKDC score of 90 or higher. The four, single-leg hop tests used were: single hop for distance, triple hop for distance, crossover hop for distance, and 6-meter timed hop. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) is a self-reporting measure of symptoms, function, and sports-specific activity. To measure sports participation, the Tegner activity scale was administered at time of return to sport and then again one year later. The data, which was recorded within four weeks of return to sport clearance, showed that only approximately 30% of athletes had hamstring and quadriceps strength within 90% of contralateral limb, 53% of athletes were within 90% of all four hop test distances, and 47% of athletes reported a 90 or higher on the IKDC. Overall, only 14% of athletes met all three areas of criteria at the time of return to sport. In addition, after one year of return to sport, 81% of those who met strength criteria maintained or participated at a higher level of function compared to 60% of those who did not meet strength criteria. In conclusion, return to sport for the competitive athlete could pose some difficulty for clinicians but research is emerging with some helpful tests and tools so we can ensure the best potential outcomes for our patients. In a world of the growing need to share these outcomes, with physicians and patients, this is encouraging news for the future of our practice. Toole AR. Ithurburn MP, Rauh MJ, Hewett TI, Paterno MV, Schmitt LC. Young Athletes Cleared for Sports Participation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: How Many Actually Meet Recommended Return-to-Sport Criterion Cutoffs? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017; 47 (11): 825-833. Doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7227
25 & 4 2 h c r a -M Graston Ma1llingford PTSMC W
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EDUCATION BEAT
by Ali Filer, PT, DPT
PT EVALUATION CODES Ever wonder if you are properly using the new PT Eval Codes required in 2017? Feel like you are repetitively selecting the same code? Mike Gans and Emily Hansen are teaming up to handle these concerns! They will be outlining how to properly choose codes, reviewing case studies and discussing the importance of understanding this process in relation to how it may impact future reimbursement. Be on the lookout for this presentation in the near future. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact Emily Hansen at Emily.Hansen@ptsmc.com.
Course Name: Hands-On, Evidence-based Approach to Evaluating and Treating Shoulder Injuries in Athletes Instructors: Paul A. Ullucci Jr. PT, PhD, DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS Jason Grimes PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, ATC
3 Negative comments about the course: 1. Would have benefited from more interactive lab time to review special tests and new interventions.
detailed notes on the PPT hand out. STUDENT2. More PROGRAM UPDATE
Length of Course: One 9-hour day
3. Wider range of population rather than just covering the athletic population (ie. Post-op).
3 Positive Learnings or Comments about the course: 1. Informative regarding Kibler classification for scapular dyskinesis including Type I inferior border prominence, type II medial border prominence and Type II superomedial border prominence.
Would you recommend this course? Yes This course is recommended for anyone interested in the topic. Instructor Rating 1- 5 (5 is highest): 1 2 3 4
5
2. Wide range of higher-level OKC and CKC scapular stabilization and GHJ strengthening exercises to use in the clinic for athletes .
Overall All Rating 1- 5 (5 is highest): 1 2 3 4
5
3. Good use of cadaver lab time for in-depth hands on anatomy review.
Additional Comments: Overall very informative course! Good review of examination and new intervention ideas for the higher-level athletic population!
VACATION REQUESTS
TECHY TIPS
Employees may submit a vacation request at any time during the year. However, the submission and approval deadline for June, July and August requests is as follows: KRISTEN FORSTER Everybody loves shortcuts, but sometimes we need a Submission Deadline March 15th Director Approval Deadline March 25th OPEN ENROLLMENT GOTO MEETINGS nudge in the right direction to find them. Follow these All eligible employees have received an email to sign up quick and easy tech tips: The approval considerations for prime-time vacation for one of the Open Enrollment GoTo meetings listed requests are as follows: below. Google your equations • Time available You need to add up some numbers fast. What do you Thursday, February 1 11:30 am – 12:30 pm • Seniority do? You could dig around in your desk drawer for a Tuesday, February 6 3:30 - 4:30 pm • Length of time requested (preference given to Wednesday, February 7 9:00 - 10:00 am calculator OR you could just use that Google search extended time vs. one day) Thursday, February 8 12:00 -1:00 pm box you already have open in your browser. Google’s • Appropriate staffing levels maintained search box doubles as a quick and easy calculator. It’s All time off requests are to be submitted through 401(K) pretty flexible about how you phrase your equations. Paychex Flex Time and Attendance. Employees who would like to make a change to their For example, typing “12 x 2” or “12 times 2” will get 401(k) biweekly contributions for the 2nd quarter of 2018 • Click on the Time Off Icon • Click on Request Time Off you the same result. Google helpfully opens up a full must complete the request by Friday, March 16, 2018 to be effective with the April 11, 2018 payroll. It only takes 3 located in the top left-hand corner in-browser calculator above the usual search results so • Complete your request and be sure to enter the quick steps to change your contributions. you can keep going in your calculations. correct hours per day • Login to your account at www.jhancockpensions.com Control your tabs in Chrome Once your request has been approved, partially • Click on Manage and contributions If you have 30 tabs open, it can be hard to remember approved or denied, you will receive an email. It can • Your current Before Tax and/or Roth contributions will be also be viewed under your Time off Icon. Your what’s where. Access the task manager through the displayed. Click on the arrows to adjust your percentage approved vacation request will automatically be then click continue at the bottom of the page. settings (it’s under “more tools”) or use the shift + esc posted to your timesheet and you will not need to keyboard shortcut on a Windows machine. The task enter the vacation time when it occurs. manager lists all your open tabs. Double-click on a tab’s description to make it pop up in view in the PTSMC’s next company Get Together will be at Funny Bones Comedy Club and browser. There is also an “end process” option that lets Restaurant in Manchester, CT on Saturday, March 3. Headliner John Morgan will you close tabs you no longer need or shut down a take the stage. Dinner and drinks will be available at cost. misbehaving tab. *Event details will be in your inbox soon!* Embrace your smartphone space bar Keep the flow of your typing running smoothly by tapping the space bar on your smartphone keyboard Physical Therapist Senior Administrative Assistant twice to end a sentence. You get a period, a space, and New London & Watertown Admin the next letter you type will be capitalized. This works with text messaging and emails on both iPhone and Check PTSMC.com for our most up to date postings and feel free to share! Android devices.
! E T A D SAVE THE
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT PTSMC
We’re always interested in connecting with referrals of colleagues and friends.
The “Visit Reset Date” in the insurance section of WebPT is actually the START date of maximum visits allowed per plan or calendar year. You fill in the date you want the visits to start accumulating. Here is an example. If you have a BCBS plan that runs from July to June but the visits run from January to December, you would put 01/01/2018 in the reset date (which will calculate number of visits used from January 1st ) and you would put 7/01/2017 to 06/30/2018 in the policy section right below.
A
WHERE IS THE LOVE? C B D
Tell us the city and state where these famous hearts are located and be entered to win a $25 gift card! E-mail Christine.Rasile@ptsmc.com by Friday, February 16 to be entered to win.
Find keywords in long pages You’re staring at a multi-page document or a website that feels like it goes on forever. You know what you’re looking for, but you don’t want to waste time scrolling and scanning. Give yourself a break and summon up a word finder tool by hitting Control + F with Windows or Command + F on Mac. This works with programs like Chrome and Word and gives you a handy search box, usually in the upper right-hand corner of the window. https://www.komando.com/tips/399170/5-simple-tech-tips-that-will-make-your-life-easier/all
ATTENDANCE REWARD
Congratulations to the following staff for achieving perfect attendance in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2017:
Meaghan Battige Emma Belval Victoria Carcova Mary Clark Carol Corbo Jeff Daley Cathryn Davenport Joanna Fisher
Eric Horne Allyson Melillo Ted Raczka Leslie Riviere Katy Sullivan Jason Smutnick Kayla Thomas
Exciting Happenings in Watertown Our Patient Benefits Department is growing! In September 2015, PTSMC began to centralize new patient verifications, starting with one part time employee. Just 28 months later, the department has expanded to three full time employees with soon-to-be all clinics benefiting from this service. Most recent to join the Patient Benefits department is Watertown’s Donna Baribault! Donna started as a PSC in Waterbury. When PTSMC Watertown opened, she was a natural fit, hailing from town. She was promoted to PTSMC’s first Patient Service Administrator; paving the path of upward mobility within the front desk role. Starting in February, Donna will work exclusively in the Patient Benefits Department from Watertown. Partner and Director Pete Catuccio reflects, “Donna has been a steady force in helping the Watertown office grow to what it is today, has always kept me on task and will be very missed at the front desk.” With change brings opportunity! Pete is pleased to announce that Kate Carlson has been promoted to the Patient Service Administrator in Watertown. “Kate has been instrumental in helping our office and its overall success with her tireless work ethic, organizational skills and contagious smile. In this new position, Kate will help the office grow to a higher level.” Kate started in Watertown as a part time PT Aide and later took on a dual role of part time PT Aide and part time PSC. Watertown is looking foward to a seamless transition to the leadership role as PSA. One more change out of Watertown is the promotion of Liz Walton, PT Aide, to the full time Patient Services Coordinator for Middletown opening in April. Liz will begin training for her role this month. Pete shared that “Liz has shown leadership and demonstrated a terrific work ethic as an aide in Watertown training new hires. She will be instrumental in helping Mr. Michael Antunes make Middletown grow into a successful clinic! “
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Channing Harwood February 1 Mickie Picheco February 3 Brandon Robertson February 3 Pete Catuccio February 4 Ashley Gugliotti February 6 Kaitlyn Murray February 6 Michael Sousa February 15 Jon Savona February 18 Russ Woodman February 19 Danica Sadowski February 21 Haley Nash-Thompson February 25 Dan Scott February 26 Molly Killeen February 26
Plainville Southbury New London Watertown Watertown Windsor Southington Branford New Haven New Milford Groton Orange Waterbury
ANNIVERSARIES
CONGRATULATIONS ON CELEBRATING YOUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Ashley Figueiredo, New Milford PSC Haley Nash-Thompson, Groton PT Aide Victoria Carcova, Orange PSC
Congratulations to Traci Riviere, New London PT, and her new fiance Michael!
Congratulations to Nick Scott, Westbrook PTA, for recently passing his Physical Therapist Assistant Boards in January!
NEW EMPLOYEES
Welcome to PTSMC. We’re so happy to have you!
Brittany Boscarino East Hampton PT Aide
Samantha Cadieux Avon Health Fitness Specialist
Brittney Hawthorne Guilford PSC
Hilary LaRosa Wallingford PT Aide
Lauren Mariotti Watertown PSC
Elena Masiello East Hampton PT Aide
Alison Rivera Naugatuck PSC
Katie Player East Hampton PT Aide
Sylvia Yanez-Carlson Watertown PT Aide
PTSMC Watertown would also like to extend a warm welcome to their new Patient Services Coordinator, Lauren Mariotti! It’s great to have you on our team!
Life Beat: Show Yourself Some Love!
Here are 5 of the best self-love and self-care tips to transform inside and out: 1.Eat Nutritiously- What you eat has a huge impact on how well your body is able to do all its remarkable functions. Show your body some love and fuel it right! 2. Exercise Lovingly- Exercise is one of the best mood and energy boosters. Take the time to explore different activities so you find something you love. It might be swimming, walking, hiking, hula hooping, dancing, yoga, anything!
3. Take some time to breathe-Taking the time to step back and just take some deep breaths brings us back into awareness. 4.Stop comparing yourself to others- We are all beautiful in our unique ways. Flaws and all. Realize that everyone has problems, everyone has flaws, and no one is perfect. 5. Celebrate your wins- Take the time to recognize your accomplishments every day.
PTSMC Happenings
Waterbury was our 2017 Holiday Food Drive Winner! PTSMC Avon continues to support the Healing Meals Community Project! Over $500 in employee donations were donated from less than 3 months of “jeans day Friday ”donations!
PTSMC’s Management Team gathered at Esca in Middletown on January 24 to recap the end of 2017 and start planning for all that 2018 has in store ! Rick Purdy, New Haven PT, drew in another huge crowd at the Branford YMCA for his Vertigo presentation.
Social Media Sensation
Congratulation to Ally Condo, Newington PT Aide, for being chosen as this month’s Social Media Sensation! Ally has created a wellness board in the clinic, jam-packed with a wealth of information. It’s got a little something for everyone - featuring healthy snacks and health apps to add to your phone or tablet! Can’t wait to see what’s featured on February’s board! Thanks for sharing, Ally! Enjoy your gift card!