JANUARY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Emma Hart Clinical Assessment Tool: Dynamic Leap and Balance Test
WELCOME 2021!
Money Beat by Jim Hungerford Student Loan Debt Update and Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid
I had been working on a different version of my PULSE article, one that reflected on 2020. In that article I started with, “I can honestly say that the year was not what I (or anyone) anticipated in January. I had been looking forward to our 20th anniversary year with plans for growth and celebration.” My original article was a personal deep-dive into the challenges, the lessons and the “gifts” of 2020 and then two things happened. First, I realized this was the first PULSE column of 2021, and I wanted to shift my focus to the promises of a new year. Then, as if my mind had been read, I received a picture. One of PTSMC’s physical therapists sent an email with the title “Super-Human.” Of course, I was incredibly curious, so I opened the email to find a photo that showed a “Super-Human Power Face” and an exposed shoulder with a tiny Band-Aid affixed. BOOM! One of our own was just vaccinated! When we had been notified by the State of Connecticut that clinicians would be prioritized in the VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management System) on December 22nd, I didn’t think an injection would be given the next morning! Thank you Danielle Butsch, Director of PTSMC Lock Street, for sharing and being our first! The plan is for all PTSMC clinical staff to be offered the vaccine. See article below regarding the State’s guidelines. As an organization, PTSMC was challenged to our core in 2020 and we survived, and so I want to honor and celebrate how you all stepped up to deliver on our mission in extraordinarily adverse conditions. You shined in the darkest of times. Your courage and commitment proved that who we are and what we do has great meaning and value. I am very proud and humbled to be part of this group of people.
Congratulations to our new auditor, Alyssa Griffo! HR Buzz Wellness Program Lifebeat - S.M.A.R.T. in 2021 Wellness Incentives - Physicals Wellness Calendar Ugly Sweater Contest Photos & Winner And now, suddenly, the end of COVID-19 is real. The only thing I can think about in this moment is looking forward. I look forward to a time Food Drive Photos & Results when a global pandemic is defeated by modern medicine. I look forward to a time when every headline isn’t about people dying because of this disease. I look forward to enjoying “simple” things I will never take for granted again.
StriveHub Fab 5
As we welcome 2021, I know the “COVID era” has not ended. We all need to remain committed to the personal and professional steps we have taken to keep us as safe as possible for a little while longer. As we keep our guard up, time is on our side. I am starting this year with renewed hope and confidence. I am hopeful we have embarked on a course that will end COVID-19 and I am confident that my “PTSMC family” will thrive and prosper in the year ahead. Thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!
Alan
COVID-19 Vaccination process BEGINS! On December 22nd, PTSMC uploaded the first wave of employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Below are the guidelines we will be following as dictated by the Connecticut Department of Health. Due to scarce supply, we are asking you to upload rosters in three waves. It is at your discretion and judgement to tier your rosters in the following way:
Patient Trends New Patients per Month
1. First Phase 1a wave: Highest risk of exposure to COVID+ patients, generally between 0-30% of a healthcare organization’s workforce. For instance, extended close contact with individuals in enclosed spaces or close contact with individuals who cannot wear a mask 2. Second Phase 1a wave: Regular patient or infectious material exposure but less risk of exposure to COVID than high risk group – generally between 0-50% of a healthcare organizations workforce. For instance, regular but brief contact often in a larger space with ability to maintain distance; masking preserved ~ awaiting confirmation of when to upload. 3. Third Phase 1a wave: All others with potential for direct or indirect exposure to COVID – between 25-100% of a healthcare organization’s workforce ~ awaiting confirmation of when to upload.
Visits per Month
Orange = Budgeted | Blue = Actual
“Kasey (Adinolfi) is very knowledgeable and has been very helpful with my therapy. With the COVID Pandemic, I have seen her and her staff taking extra precautions to keep the place safe. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs PT.” - Wethersfield “I appreciated the individualized care by well-trained professionals. I could see that the staff worked well together and that their primary concern was the patients. The staff was pleasant, knew my name after my first visit, and were always willing to answer questions or offer assistance. Great experience.” - New Milford “My physical therapist, Meghan (Blanusa), is awesome! She pushes me to strengthen my arm, but not too much. She and the other staff that help with the heat/ice and to guide through my exercises are friendly and knowledgeable. A great place to have physical therapy. Highly recommend it.” - Naugatuck “Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. I did not think I could possibly see any improvement from how bad of shape I was in but I feel so much better after only a month or two of visits.” - Groton “Nick (Almonte) has a great way of explaining the science behind the pain you are experiencing. He is very personable and super friendly. I would recommend him and the Orange office to anyone who needs PT.” - Orange
CLINICIAN’S CORNER CLINICAL ASSESSMENT TOOL: DYNAMIC LEAP AND BALANCE TEST By Emma Hart, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Groton The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Y-Balance Tests are two of the most-commonly used clinical assessment tools to measure dynamic stability following an ankle sprain or other lower extremity injury. The Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT) is a newer clinical assessment tool that can help us do the same. The DLBT requires a movement of body segments with a change in base of support where the SEBT and Y-balance require movement of body segments over a stable base of support. This small change can provide the clinician with useful information regarding the patient’s ability to re-establish dynamic stability on alternating legs. SEBT and Y-balance The Star Excursion Balance Test is a series of single-limb squats using the non-stance limb to reach maximally along eight designated lines. Following completion of the assessment, the distances between the affected and unaffected sides are compared or the distances before and after interventions are compared. The Y-balance test is a modified version of the SEBT with maximal reach distances anterior, posteriolateral and posteriomedial. These tests are good for athletes who participate in ballet, gymnastics and/or ice skating, but may not be the best tool for athletes who are involved with sports that require cutting and quick changes in direction.1
Figure 2. (a) DLBT pattern for right dominant limb (b) DLBT for left dominant limb Figure 1. Reaching directions for the Star Excursion Balance Test1 DLBT Dynamic Leap and Balance test is a series of 20 hops (5 directions, 2 distances in each direction performed on both legs). The recommended distances are based on the anterior reach distance on the SEBT. The “short” distance is 100% of the anterior reach distance and the “long” distance is 150% of the anterior reach to encourage the participant to leap. The short distances need to be completed prior to the long distance and the participant starts anteriorly and moves clockwise. The participant may complete three practice trials before completing their three timed trials. The score is the average time of the three trials. The trials are incomplete if the participant (1) touches down with the opposite foot, (2) demonstrates excessive hip abduction, (3) is out of testing position for >2 seconds and/or (4) steps, tumbles or falls.2 The DLBT mimics movement patterns involved in walking, running and cutting and is a great clinical assessment tool for all athletes.
(1) Anterior Short, (2) Anterior Long, (3) Anteromedial Short, (4) Anteromedial Long (5) Medial Short, (6) Medial Long, (7) Posteromedial Short, (8) Posteromedial Long, (9) Posterior Short, (10) Posterior Long2 Populations Appropriate for DLBT The DLBT is a “newer” clinical assessment tool and current research is centered around patients with chronic ankle instability.3 Further research is needed to determine the use for additional populations however, it can be inferred populations appropriate for the SEBT would be appropriate for the DLBT. This clinical assessment tool may also be utilized to identify athletes at greater risk for lower extremity injury as well. References 1. Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., Facsm, À., & Plisky, P. (2012). Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to Assess Dynamic Postural-Control Deficits and Outcomes in Lower Extremity Injury: A Literature and Systematic Review. 47(3), 339–357. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.3.08 2. Jaffri, A. H., Newman, T. M., Smith, B. I., & Miller, S. J. (2017). Original Research the Dynamic Leap and Balance Test ( Dlbt ): 12(4), 512–519. 3. Jaffri AH, Newman TM, Smith BI, Vairo GL, Denegar CR, Buckley WE, Miller SJ. Dynamic Leap and Balance Test: Ability to Discriminate Balance Deficits in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability. J Sport Rehabil. 2019 Jun 6:1-8. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0380. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 30676223.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
An Overview of Clinical Excellence Courses
External Courses: Courses held outside of PTSMC that clinicians travel to and attend on their own. Clinicians will pay for these courses and receive reimbursement or will obtain payment information from clinic Director. MedBridge is considered an External Course resource. Sponsored External Courses: Courses taught by outside companies that PTSMC brings in house at negotiated rates. PTSMC covers the cost and allocates clinician attendance cost to their clinic. Sponsored External Courses to look forward to: Myopain Trigger Point Dry Needling, Pelvic Floor & More, Advanced Concussion Internal Courses: These are taught in house by qualified PTSMC clinicians. Any PTSMC clinician, certified athletic trainer, and student are welcome to attend. These courses are typically geared toward clinicians with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Attending courses is also a requirement for clinicians completing the Development of Clinical Success Program (DOCS). Internal Courses to look forward to in 2021: Lumbar in April, Upper Extremity, Concussion. Other future Internal Courses: Lower Extremity, Cervicothoracic Moving to Medbridge: Return to Sport, Pain Management (TNE), Graston Due to the everchanging pandemic, the earliest PTSMC will be offering its next course will be April of 2021. Attendance for all types of courses must be approved by the clinic Partner or Director.
new internal auditor alyssa griffo!
Welcome onboard to the internal auditing team Alyssa Griffo, East Hampton Physical Therapist. Alyssa is perfect for this role, as she has achieved one of the highest scores in the company for documentation audits. We are looking forward to her being a great asset to the auditing team. The team welcomes a fresh perspective and feedback to clinicians and chart audits. Welcome and congrats, Alyssa!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Danielle Dunn at Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com or Mallory Mason at Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE - YEAR IN REVIEW
A total of 32 students successfully completed clinical affiliations with PTSMC for the 2020 cycle. 30 DPT students; 2 PTA students >50% were final level interns; 8 of these 3rd year students are now PTSMC clinicians Our 2020 goal of 20 students was exceeded by 38% (12 additional students) despite COVID-19 challenges
Read what some of our 2020 SPTs had to say: “As a previous aide, I had observed multiple student clinical experiences. Additionally, this was my final clinical experience, so I had a good understanding of the expectations for a clinical rotation. Overall, I understood that a high level of knowledge, clinical reasoning, and patient care was expected from me as I gained further clinical experience to help me reach an appropriate level to begin as an independent clinician following graduation. PTSMC absolutely helped me grow and gain the necessary experiences to reach this goal.” “Goals were clear, good balance of supervision/independence for my first outpatient ortho clinical experience, was current with treatment techniques, reasonable hours. Although I do not think I will be going into an outpatient orthopedic setting for PT, I was still able to enjoy this experience and learn a lot.” “Rob Bass is an excellent Clinical Instructor. He met all of my needs and expectations and more. He was very attentive and approachable. He has a true passion for teaching, as well. He successfully found the appropriate challenge point and level of supervision in every situation. He helped me gain confidence in myself as a clinician.” “I had first experienced PT as a patient at PTSMC of Watertown and fell in love with the profession and community PTSMC provides to its patients. As a clinician, it was more of the same and I am able to directly give that feeling back to those I serve.” “The staff at PTSMC showed caring and compassion for all patients and their family members, and put the patients’ needs before their own.” A very special THANK YOU to our Clinical Instructors and their clinics! 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. In addition to your flexibility, your hard work and belief in our PT for Life culture is what keeps our Student Program strong, growing and offering unmatched experiences for our students. Clinical Instructors: Miguel Santiago Ted Raczka Mel Boutagy/Pat Kinsella Bailey McPhearson Emily Searle Andrew Perazella Ashley Tighe
Kristina Lipeika/Lindsey Scianna Rebecca Petrosino Rob Bass Meghan Blanusa Alyssa Griffo Tom Kassan
Lauren Peladeau John Galer Joe Allen Kevin Connellan Tom Kirsch Kyle Wolf
Bryan Baker Dana Earle Kevin Connellan Stephanie Weyrauch Channing Harwood Christina Mogelnicki
PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program began on December 1st! Pictured from left to right: Alan Balavender, President Andrew Kalach, Fairfield Physical Therapist Sam McMullen, Southington Physical Therapist Meghan Blanusa, Naugatuck Physical Therapist Danielle Dunn, Program Director & Wallingford Physical Therapist Tom Mango, New London Physical Therapist
HUMAN RESOURCES
FEDERAL OR STATE TAXES
Email payroll@ptsmc.com to request federal or state W4 forms to be completed.
UPDATE BENEFICIARY
PTSMC 2021 HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day (July 4th) Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day
Employees can update beneficiary information on Employee Navigator and John Hancock at any time.
Friday Monday Monday Monday Thursday Friday
January 1st May 31st July 5th* September 6th November 25th December 24th*
* = observed The holiday schedule can be found in Human Resources under company documents.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS
All CT licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are required to maintain 20 hours of continuing education per year as a licensure requirement. All PTSMC Sponsored and Internal Course continuing education that employees complete is recorded in HR Online. External Course certifications and completion must be sent to HR so that they can be tracked. Employees can view and print the courses they have completed while employed at PTSMC by clicking on the Training Taken tab under Training, Education and Skills. Did you attend a course and it isn’t listed in HR online? Contact Sandra Boccialetti at Sandra.Boccialetti@ptsmc.com.
2021 THREE PAYROLL MONTHS There will be three payrolls in the months of June and December. These payrolls will not have medical, dental or Colonial deductions.
2021 Mileage Rate
Beginning on January 1, 2020, the IRS standard mileage rate has been decreased to 56 cents per mile. Updated expense reimbursement forms will be emailed to employees and available under Human Resources by January 6, 2021.
2020 W2’s All employees will receive a paper copy of their W2 mailed to their home address by January 31, 2021. Be on the lookout for your 2020 W2 around January 15th in Paychex Flex under your Dashboard. You will see it listed under Tax Documents.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION
Do you need to update any of the following information for 2021? Address, Cell Phone and Emergency Contact Information In Paychex Flex click on My Profile Address and cell phone: click on Edit and make changes Emergency Contact: scroll down to Emergency Contacts and click on the 3 dots to the left and edit
NEW TIME & ATTENDANCE LAYOUT FOR PAYCHEX FLEX Many of you have probably noticed that Paychex Flex has rolled out a new layout for completing your time sheet and viewing and requesting time off. We are told by Paychex that at some point in the near future, the “classic” look will no longer be accessible. HR will be sending out instructional videos in January to show employees the new process for completing time sheets through the desktop version as well as on the Paychex Mobile Application. Be on the LOOKOUT for them in your email!
REMINER: HOLIDAY TIME OFF POLICY IS CALENDAR YEAR JANUARY - DECEMBER Full Time (FT) Part Time 30 (PT 30) Part Time 20 (PT 20)
56 hours (48 holiday and 8 personal) 42 hours (36 holiday and 6 personal) 28 hours (24 holiday and 4 personal)
Holiday hours will continue to only be used on the actual observed holiday. Personal hours must be used during the calendar year - January – December. For eligible employees, Holiday hour balance is located under “Holiday” in Time and Attendance.
IS AROUND THE CORNER All eligible employees be on the lookout for information regarding open enrollment for Medical, Dental, Life and Short Term Disability. We have scheduled the following mandatory meetings. Get them on your schedules early. Tuesday, February 2nd 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 3rd 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Thursday, February 4th 9:30 am – 10:30 am Monday, February 8th 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 9th 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Eligible employees will receive an email from Sandra Boccialetti with instructions on how to sign up.
CONNECTICUT PAID LEAVE
Be sure to read the email sent to all employees on December 29th for all the details regarding the CT Paid Leave. This will affect ALL employees paychecks starting January 13, 2021.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program:
Annemarie Gigante, Fairfield Kelsey Matthews, Plainville Naelah Miller, Middletown
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Maia Annunziato, Lock Street PT Aide
Jamie Collimore, Southington PT Aide
Taylor Conklin, Essex Patient Services Coordinator
Becca Ferlazzo, New Haven PT Aide
Lucas Ferreira, Fairfield PT Aide
Jake Minor, Simsbury PT Aide
Julia Rubbo, Guilford Patient Services Coordinator
Camille Sahirul, Westbrook PT Aide
Connor Sharp, Simsbury PT Aide
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Physical Therapist Lock Street Wallingford
Patient Services Coordinator Guilford Wethersfield
Physical Therapy Aide Groton Lock Street
Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Jenn or email at Jenn.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com for PT Aide positions. Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in another position.
Customer Service Representative Lock Street
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS By Jim Hungerford, CPA Director of Accounting and Finance Student Loan Debt Update and Refinancing Mistakes to avoid
On Dec. 4, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos extended federal student loan flexibilities. Currently, the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education (ED) are set to continue through Jan. 31, 2021. What does this mean? • You are not required to make payments on ED-owned student loans until after Jan. 31, 2021, and no interest will accumulate. • Payments you would have made, but are no longer required to make, will count toward income-driven repayment plan loan forgiveness. • If you can continue paying your federal student loans while your loans are at the 0% interest rate, your payments may further reduce the principal balance of your federal student loan once your outstanding interest has been paid. If you are already making voluntary payments, nothing changes. If not, you may make voluntary payments by contacting your federal loan servicer. Should you refinance your loan?? With interest rates at historic lows, refinancing a student loan might be a good move. Student loan refinancing rates are as low as 3% (with excellent credit), refinancing may save you money now. Common Student Loan Refinancing Mistakes 1. Not comparing rates and terms - Make sure to compare rates and terms from multiple lenders. Make sure you are looking at multiple sources for rates and terms, as they can vary by lender significantly. 2. Refinancing with a private lender if you’re a federal loan borrower - Student loan borrowers should ONLY refinance federal loans using federal student loan refinancing options. If you refinance your federal loans using a private lender, you will lose all federal student loan consumer protections, and the relief measures in the Federal CARES Act - or any future act - will no longer apply to your loans. 3. Not checking your credit report for errors - Studies show that 80% of credit reports contain errors. If you can pay off debts and fix errors on your credit report to increase your credit score, you'll likely secure a more favorable rate if you are planning to refinance your student loans. 4. Focusing on interest rates alone - Another mistake sometimes is to look only at the interest rate of the loan and not the repayment terms. A lower interest rate coupled with a long repayment term might actually result in more interest paid to the lender than a loan with a higher rate and shorter repayment term. It is important to understand what the total amount of interest paid to the lender will be over the life of the new loan. 5. Not factoring in the CARES Act - The CARES Act’s temporary COVID-related suspension of federal student loan payments actually makes refinancing less attractive. Currently, under federal law, federal student loan payments are suspended through January 31, 2020, but have the potential to be extended once again by Congress. During the suspension period, it may be prudent to put aside the money not used as a result of the suspension to save up for a potential lump-sum payment once payments resume. What are the advantages of refinancing student loans? Refinancing a student loan makes sense if you are trying to lower your monthly payment, reduce the interest rate you are paying, or change the length of the loan. Again, it is important to note that with federal student loans, forgiveness provisions as well as income-based re-payment plans are ONLY available if you refinance to a new federal consolidated loan. One of the biggest advantages of the federal program is income-based repayment plans, which limit the amount you pay back on your loan to a certain percent of your take home pay.
Carole Pimenta Chloe Stanish Ken Kosior Nic Sauerbrunn Isabella Pirola Rachel Ricciuti Drew DaSilva Sue Ginsburg Christina Mogelnicki Greg Schlossinger Victoria Seman Danielle Dunn Jacky Severance Camille Sahirul Sheena Trivedi Brian Reis Kelly Cozzolino Kasey Bascetta Jane Rosadini Kristina Lipeika Kristen Forster Ashley Tighe Kasia Chaber
1 2 2 6 9 10 14 15 15 17 19 19 21 23 23 24 24 25 26 26 28 28 30
Guilford Southington Wallingford Windsor Southbury New London Southbury Guilford Newington Admin New London Wallingford & Admin Middletown Westbrook Wethersfield New Haven Plainville Windsor Guilford Watertown Admin Wallingford Naugatuck
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Kyra Thomas Dhimitri Stojko Hannah Stamm Paige Brunner
Office Assistant PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide
Admin Southbury Wallingford Windsor
Stef Cagno
Patient Benefits Coordinator Physical Therapist
Admin
Katy Sullivan
Orange
An update on thegear order...
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on warehouses, the gear order is taking longer than usual! Warehouses are at about 25% capacity, which means that each step (from brands like Nike to the decorator to being shipped out to us) is slowed down. We apologize for the delay, and the gear will arrive in January.
PTSMC Happenings! Charles Brooks (left), Newington PSC, and the Plainville clinic particiapted in CCMC’s PJ Day to raise money and honor kids with cancer. Orange threw Physical Therapist Stephanie Weyrauch (right) a surprise baby shower!
Westbrook’s giving tree! All of these presents were donated to the kids at Clinton Social Services.
CONGRATULATIONS!
SoCIAl Media Sensation The Groton Team!
Christine Raffone, Admin Authorization Coordinator, got engaged to her fiance Dave on Christmas Eve in front of immediate family!
Did you know that Santa is a patient at PTSMC Groton? The team was able to snap some pics and a video of the big guy getting treated before Christmas Eve! Check out more on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/PTSMC.
PTSMC Wellness Calendar
Life Beat S.M.A.R.T. in 2021 In typical new year’s fashion, it is goal setting time! Most people do not feel great about the past year, so to move on and make 2021 a year you envision, you must set that intention. You have to set goals. It is very easy to think or talk about the things you want to achieve or how you want your future to be. However, few people obtain their desired results because their goals are not “S.M.A.R.T.” Take a look below at what make a goal “S.M.A.R.T”. Specific Make your goals specific and narrowed for more effective planning. What is the task? State what you will do and use action words. Measurable Define what evidence will prove you’re making progress. How are you going to keep tabs on this? What does a good job look like, what are the expectations? How will you tell that you accomplished this task? Attainable & Acceptable Work toward a goal that is both challenging and possible. Can the task be achieved? Are you 100 % bought in?
January: Make your health #1 priority in 2021 Challenge Jan. 4 – Jan. 26 Physical Rewards & Raffle Now – Feb. 16 February Challenge Physical Rewards & Raffle
Feb. 3 - Feb 24 Ends Feb. 16
March #GetMoving Challenge
Mar. 7 - Mar. 28
Social Wellness Tips
Social wellness refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Our relationships can offer support during difficult times. Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. Make your social wellness a priority this year and start 2021 by checking these boxes: Check in with those that mean something to you: Write a letter to someone Make cards (fun for kids too) and send them to those far and near Email someone updates on your life and your goals for 2021. Ask for theirs in return! Finally call the person you keep telling yourself, “Oh I’ll call them tomorrow” Facetime someone who’s face you haven’t seen in a while Knock on your neighbor's door and bring them some left over holiday treats Make plans for a virtual group get together Make plans for an outdoor get together- Yes, it’s still possible, just bundle up and mask up!
Wellness Incentive: Physicals
Relevant Align your goal with your values and long- term objectives. Will accomplishing this task make a difference? Why is this important? Timely & Trackable Set a date for task prioritization, accountability and motivation. Set progress dates to keep you on track and working toward your goal. This acronym can be used for both your personal and professional goals. With this recipe for success in mind, take a moment to yourself, or with family or friends, to think about what you want in 2021. Write those things down. Then rewrite them with the “S.M.A.R.T” formula to make them into true, attainable goals!
If you took this step for your health in 2020 or are planning to get a physical before February 16th, 2021, let us know! You will receive a $20 Amazon gift card and be entered into a $200 Amazon gift card raffle! - What counts: Annual routine physical - Who is eligible: All employees - What you earn: $20 gift card & entry into $200 gift card raffle - How to get credit: Schedule & attend your appointment. If you participate in PTSMC’s health plan with Cigna, let us know the date and Cigna can provide the verification. If you are not a Cigna member, provide proof of receiving your annual physical from your physician and email Mallory at Wellness@ptsmc.com. - Timeline: Physical attended between March 1, 2020 and February 16, 2021 *In order to gain credit your appointment must be for a routine appointment and cannot be diagnostic in nature. Please work with your physician to ensure that the appointment is a routine visit and is being submitted that way to your medical coverage (i.e. Cigna) in order to receive the incentive. If you are a Cigna member and would like specific information on the preventative services that are available to you at no cost through your plan email Sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com.
Spirit day - Ugly Sweater Contest!
New Haven
Simsbury
Naugatuck
Orange
Lock Street
New Milford
Westbrook
Fairfield Waterbury
Guilford
Admin
Wethersfield
Avon
Holiday Food Drive This year we set a goal for collecting 2,020 items in honor of PTSMC’s 20th Anniversary in 2020. Thanks to each clinic’s amazingly generous staff and patients, we crushed that goal! In total PTSMC collected and donated 2,477 to 27 different locations across Connecticut. These donations will help hundreds of people in our communities. Thank you all again for your commitment to helping those in need!
Essex
Donated to Shoreline Soup Kitchen in Old Saybrook Pictured: Marcus SantaMaria (PT Aide) & Mackenzie Anderson (PT Aide)
Windsor
Donated to Windsor Food & Fuel Bank
Fairfield
Wallingford
Donated to Master Manna’s
Avon
Donated to Gifts of Love
New Milford
Donated to Loaves and Fishes
Pictured from left to right: Dani Pilgrim (PT Aide), Lexie Carroccio (PSC) & Meghan DiPisa
Donated to Operation Hope
Pictured from left to right: Samantha Dassatti (PT Aide), Rebecca Petrosino (Partner & Director), & Andrew Kalach (Physical Therapist)
Orange
Donated to Orange Food Pantry
Pictured from left to right: Dominique Riley (PT Aide) & Katy Sullivan (Physical Therapist)
Newington
Danbury
Donated to Dorothy Day Hospitality House
Donated to Newington Food Bank Pictured: Emily Sargent (PSC & PT Aide)
Guilford
Donated to Guilford Food Bank
Groton
Donated to Town of Groton Human Services
Pictured from left to right: Jack Pearce (PSC & PT Aide) & Chris DeLillo (PSC & PT Aide)
Southington
Plainville
Donated to Southington Bread for Life
Donated to Plainville Food Pantry
Pictured from left to right: Peter Cambi (Partner & Director) & Michael Sousa (PSC)
Pictured from left to right: Kayla Broyles (PT Aide), Kelly Cozzolino (PSC), Chris K. (Patient), Michael K. (Patient), & Mary S. (Patient)
Simsbury
Donated to Granby & Simsbury Food Banks
Watertown
Donated to Waterbury Baptist Ministries
Pictured: Pete Catuccio (Partner & Director)
Naugatuck
Donated to Ecumenical Food Bank
New London
Donated to Gemma E. Moran Food Drive
Waterbury
Donated to Waterbury Baptist Ministries
Pictured left to right: Jessah Doctor (PT Aide), Carol Carbo (PT Aide), Tyson from Waterbury Baptist Ministries, & Carol.
Donated to East Hampton Food Bank
Pictured left to right: Cait Ayotte (Physical Therapist) & Scott Olmstead (Partner & Director)
West Hartford
Donated to Fern Street Backpacks
East Hampton
Pictured from left to right: Tom Kassan (Partner & Director), Katie Newton (Physical Therapist), Miguel Santiago (Physical Therapist)
Not Pictured
Branford - donated to Branford Food Pantry Lock Street - donated to Community Action Agency of New Haven Middletown - donated to YMCA Middletown New Haven - donated to Vertical Church Southbury - donated to Southbury Food Bank Westbrook - donated to Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantry Wethersfield - donated to Wethersfield Food Bank