Therapy Association Oregon Log - MemberClicksPage 2 - Spring 2009 OPTA OREGON LOG OPTA Board President Susan Bamberger, PT 503.251.6100 Portland, OR [email protected] Past-President

Oregon LogIt Pays to Be a Member of Your Association ...................................3

Grassroots Marketing Campaign ......................................6

Clinical Instructor of the Year Awards ......................11

Health Care Reform Update ......12

Resolution of Radicular Cervical Pain with Treatment of Posture and Vertigo .........................................15

PASS: PT and Society Summit .........................22

Oregon Physical Therapy Association

What’s Inside

A Component of the American Physical Therapy Association • www.opta.org Spring 2009

September 26, 2009 OPTA Fall Workshop and Business Meeting Portland, OR

October 17, 2009 Orthotics Workshop Portland, OR

March 12-14, 2010 Annual Conference Eugene, OR

All course listings are on our website: www.opta.org

* All listings are subject to change

OPTA ContinuingEducation Calendar

President’s MessageBy Susan Bamberger, PT, MPT

The times are a changin’

Welcome to the first electronic issue of the Log! Our country, our industry, and our profession are all experiencing significant changes. Vision 2020 states:

By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health (www.apta.org).

Becoming autonomous practitioners of choice is right on target for the changes we see, both within and surrounding our profession.

To reach this vision, Physical Therapists have to feel comfortable treating without a referral. We have to accept the fact that we are a doctoring profession, and must behave in such a way. We have to relay a consistent message in order to take a place in our community as providers of choice.

The OPTA has the following crucial projects up and running:• An elaborate, coordinated PR campaign to educate consumers and

oppose the chiropractic ballot measure• A successful 2009 legislative effort in allowing DPTs to use the term

Doctor• A very exciting and strong continuing education lineup• A local presence in Oregon health care reform efforts• A local, accurate workforce study is in the works• A revitalized reimbursement committee providing needed education in

a very accessible manner• An amazing nominating committee setting the stage for future elections

to keep the energy going• A research committee focused on giving all Oregon PTs and PTAs the

tools they need to provide, quality, evidence based care• A strong membership campaign that is aligned with the national plan

As president, my goal is to support the board and committees as everyone works to achieve these goals. I am continually impressed with everyone’s energy, and will do my best to keep it going.

Continued on page 2

Page 2 - Spring 2009 OPTA OREGON LOG www.opta.org

OPTA BoardPresidentSusan Bamberger, PT 503.251.6100Portland, [email protected]

Past-PresidentKaren Walz, PT, MA, OCS, FAAOMPTRedmond, OR [email protected]

Vice PresidentChris Murphy, PTPortland, OR [email protected]

SecretaryMary Fajer, PTGleneden Beach, OR [email protected]

TreasurerJerry Cain, MPTPortland, OR [email protected]

Board Members at LargeDylan Hogan, PT, DPT - Member At Large #1

Portland, OR 503.215.0299 [email protected]

Jeffrey Cox, PT - Member At Large #2 Oregon City, OR 503.216.5410 [email protected]

Sandra Gallagher, PT - Member at Large #3 Portland, OR 503.494.3151 [email protected]

Stacey Cochran-Comstock, PT, DPT - Chief Delegate Portland, OR 503.233.3163 [email protected]

Stacy Mosbrucker, PTA - PTA Representative Corvallis, OR 541.768.5110 [email protected]

Committee Chairs Ricci Susick, MPT - Government Affairs

Portland, OR 503.215.6202 [email protected]

Dode Jackson PT - Continuing Education and Nominating Vancouver, WA 800.321.7862 ext. 738 [email protected]

Carol Schunk, PT - Ethics Bend, OR 541.480.8221 [email protected]

Ted Ellquist, PT - Public Relations Portland, OR 503.517.8996 [email protected] Thomas, PT - Reimbursement Portland, OR 503.783.2473 [email protected] Stadtlander, PT - Research Portland, OR 503.331.3049 [email protected]

OPTA Office: 503.262.9247Toll Free: 877.452.4919E-mail: [email protected]

APTA’s branding campaign: MOVEFORWARDPT.com

Go to your web browser and type in www.moveforwardpt.com. This website is a nationally driven branding campaign to send a consistent, strong message to health care consumers. The OPTA has been working with the APTA and CRT Tanaka, a professional public relations firm over the last year to get this website up and running a little ahead of schedule so we can combine this effort with our efforts to fight the pending chiropractor’s ballot initiative regarding spinal manipulation. People need to know what we do and who we are before we ask them to vote on a ballot measure that affects what we do. This campaign was designed with consumers in mind, to attract their attention

and brand us as the people who get them back to life. This is an effort that is necessary to achieve our vision as providers of choice.

The Move Forward campaign is going nationwide very soon, and we are privileged to be the first to launch this website. This is EVERYONE’s public relations campaign. It represents all of us. All members received posters with the Move Forward message. Members, please post the fliers. It doesn’t take much to post a flier at your local coffee shop or community center. Your neighbors may not notice the flier at the coffee shop, but they will be more likely to pay attention if they see it again at the grocery store down the street. Members, please put up the posters. It addresses the information that consumers need for us to reach our vision as providers of choice.

Corissa Abel, PT

Marland Armstrong, PT

April Baker, PT

Erin Barbot, SPT

Christi Binstadt, PT, OCS

Susan Bohn, PT

Rebecca Burry, SPT

Errin Chappel, PT

Erin Clougherty, PT

Dana Detweiler, SPT

Carri Dominick, PT

Crystal Eno, SPT

Josiah Faville, SPT

Amber Fitzsimmons, PT

John Frey, PT

Christopher Guempel, PT

Vanessa Hill, PT

Benjamin Johnson, SPT

Bradley Kelley, PT

Marina Kesler, PT, DPT, MS, OCS

Erin Manning, SPT

Joyce Masters, PT

Lindsey Mayo, SPT

Melissa Meyer, SPT

Alec Mills, PT

Kevin Mohning, PTA

Leah Molseed, PT

Kevin Mulvey, PT

Leo Porreco, PT

Megan Rosenau, SPT

Suzette Smith-Barnett, SPT

Karl Szukalski, PT

Jennifer Welsh, PT

West David, PTA

Welcome New and Returning Members

President’s Message, continued from page 1

OPTA OREGON LOG Page 3 - Spring 2009www.opta.org

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Cost of Physical Therapist Assistant Membership: 67¢ per day

Cost of Physical Therapist Membership: $1.08 per day

Ensuring a Strong Profession: Priceless

As physical therapist and physical therapist assistants, we provide unique and distinctive healthcare services to the public. Our services are unmatched in its quality and comprehensiveness by any other healthcare provider. As experts of human movement, we are the practitioners of choice to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments that affect movement resulting in functional limitations and disabilities. Throughout the years, our profession has continued to expand and adapt our services. We have kept up with the times and improved our ability to be participants in an ever changing healthcare world by increasing our level of education and being leaders in research and the development of evidence based practice.

To satisfy of the people we serve, strategic planning has played an integral part in addressing our evolving role in the healthcare arena. We have set long term goals and

developed strategies to meet those goals. APTA’s Vision 2020, and the OPTA’s Vision Statement help to guide our journey.

In recent years we as a profession have accomplished many achievements to reach our goals as well as met many challenges to be the players we are within the healthcare playing field. Some of these challenges have been threats from outside of the profession to restrict our practice. These threats are a testimony to the quality and breadth of services we provide to the public. I have no doubt that we will continue to overcome these external threats as we continue to improve our worth through ever expanding contributions by the profession to research in the field of rehabilitative sciences, education, and contribution to evidence-based-practices. The greatest challenge to our profession is the challenge from within. We have met our external challenges by moving forward as a profession. To continue to move forward, we must be a strong united front. Membership in your professional association develops that strong front.

The cost of membership in the APTA and OPTA is well worth the benefits you receive in return. Where would our profession be without a professional association representing you at all levels? What would our profession look like without someone defending threats to our scope of practice? Would we still be performing ultrasound with the exact parameters that were determined by the physician and then handed to us by a nurse?

Membership in your professional association shows your respect for the profession and what the association does for you and your profession. What are the benefits to you? Networking, access to job postings, access to peer-reviewed journals, decreased cost of continuing education, access to members only information, and access to the latest information affecting you as a professional are just a few of the reasons. Professional membership is also an excellent addition to your resume showing potential employers your commitment to the profession.

Perhaps what is more important, though, is that continued support through your dues shows you support the hard work of the association in protecting our profession that has been performed in the past, and will continue to be performed in the future. The association needs money for a variety of activities, most importantly to fight for you and the profession against infringements on our scope of practice. Keeping our association strong during these times, will help our profession to survive and become even stronger. What is the cost to you? As a physical therapist it will cost you $1.08 a day to be member. As a physical therapist assistant,

It Pays to Be a Member of Your AssociationBy Jeff Cox, PT, Member at Large #2

Continued on page 4


your cost is 67 cents per day. For around a dollar per day, you can ensure that your profession stays strong now and into the future.

What can you do for your professional association besides pay your dues? You can educate colleagues who do not understand the importance of our association. By generating new members through education, you are generating more revenue for the association to continue to effectively protect you and the profession. If marketing to a fellow friend or colleague is not within your comfort zone, volunteer on one of the many committees within the association. We have several very active committees working at this time to improve our public relations, promote our profession, and fight for you legislatively. Without the association you could not do what you do today as a professional. Make sure you are doing everything you can do to keep our association and profession strong.

Physical Therapist Assistant ProgramAssociate of Applied Science

June 2009The Mt. Hood Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program Faculty

is proud to welcome the graduates of the class of 2009 to the physical therapy community.

Elizabeth AndersonLuke BurkeLynn DueltgenChris Follmar Man-sze Fong Eliza Hughes Trish Jilot Jennifer JohnsonMichelle KarrenJade Karth Greg Klein

Jennifer LazaridesJennifer MatiacoCristina NoriegaJill SchulmerichGina ShaverEric SparrowAmy SpeuldaMatthew StennettLindsey SullivanLindsey Twiss

Membership, continued from page 3


Change of Address or Phone?

If you have a change of address, phone, fax or e-mail, you can send it to the OPTA office online at www.opta.org. When you log on to the site, choose the “members only” section on the left side of the screen. Once there, you will need to enter the correct passcodes to get into that portion of the site. Select the link to “Update Your Contact Information with OPTA.” Once there, fill in all the boxes and send it! It is as easy as that. Or, you can always call the OPTA office at 503.262.9247 or tollfree at 877.452.4919.

It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that we announce the retirement of Jane Cedar from the MHCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Sadness for us at the loss of a passionate educator and staunch advocate for the physical therapy assistant, but excitement for her as she will be freed up to pursue other interests. No longer will she be a slave to that alarm clock!

Jane began her career as a educator to physical therapy assistant students 25 years ago at MHCC. To date she has had a hand in the education of nearly 600 PTA students. She served as the program director from fall of 2000 until the fall of 2007. She still continues to be the public face of the program as the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE), in addition to serving as a classroom and lab instructor.

Debbie Van Dover will continue as the Interim Program Director. She will take on the ACCE position as well in the fall. We hope that the college will soon begin the

search for Jane’s replacement.Jane will see the 1st year students

through their first clinical rotation this summer, and then will step away to new adventures. We will miss you Jane!

Jane Cedar to Retire from Mt. Hood Community College

OPTA Members Only Section Log-In

It’s just like your log-in for the APTA website. Your APTA membership number is your User Name. Your last name is your Password. In the members only sections of the site you have access to: the membership directory, media contact lists, past Log Newsletters, government affairs information, PR branding campaign, and be able to update your contact information.

Take a look for yourself atwww.opta.org.

Find a PT is compiled and published by the American Physical Therapy Association (“APTA”) as a reference source of demographic and professional information on individual licensed physical therapists in the United States for consumers to access. If you are not taking advantage of this tremendous member benefit, you should check it out! Consumers can use the directory to find physical therapists located in any of the 50 United States. Consumers can also

use the directory to narrow their search for specialty areas of practice. This portion of the APTA website describes who physical therapists are and what they do, different areas of specialty in physical therapy and the code of conduct that therapists work under.

For more information on this program go to http://www.apta.org/Consumer/findapt and click on the “members sign up for find a PT” to get on the list.

Take Advantage of this Great Member Benefit to be Listed as a Physical Therapist Via the Internet

Find a PT Member Benefit Program


KAISER PERMANENTE IS AN AA/EEO EMPLOYER.

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COME JOIN OUR PT TEAM PORTLAND, VANCOUVER, CLACKAMAS COUNTY, AND SALEM

At Kaiser Permanente, you’ll play an important role on our integrated health care team.Our physical therapists enjoy autonomy not found within other health care organizations.They spend less time worrying about insurance and justifying treatment, but more timetreating the whole patient, designing and delivering the right treatment.

We are actively recruiting physical therapists who share our values and believe in qualityof care. Kaiser Permanente seeks graduates of accredited schools of physical therapywho are licensed in Oregon or Washington. We are looking for therapists who canprovide excellent service in outpatient orthopedics, acute care, worker’s compensation,neuro-rehabilitation, and home health.

For more information about career opportunities, please contact us at {(503) 813-3601or (800) 845-4875. Visit jobs.kp.org for complete qualifications and job submission details.Individuals who are bilingual or have multicultural or diverse patient populationexperience are encouraged to apply. Drug-Free Workplace.

jobs.kp.org

I value my freedom. Believe in the work I do. And aim to bring out thebest in everyone—myself included. Being a physical therapist enablesme to enhance the lives of those in my care. Kaiser Permanente sharesthat mission and wants the same for me. If you believe that qualitycare and quality of life go hand in hand, this is the place to put yourbeliefs into practice.

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OREGON PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

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Since the APTA launched the new branding campaign “Move Forward. Physical Therapy bring Motion to Life” at CSM in Las Vegas you have received a publicity packet and have read about the Move Forward PT

campaign in an APTA or OPTA publication. The launch of this campaign as a way to promote PT has come at a great time for the PT’s in Oregon. Soon we might face the potential of chiropractors taking

the issue of joint manipulation to the voting public. We need every PT promoting our profession and professionalism.

We will repeatedly seek your support in this new campaign. The public relations committee is developing a plan to help OPTA members inform all Oregon PTs the value of our profession and professional organization and the “PT brand”. From there we will move to guiding PTs to inform the public about physical therapy using the Move Forward PT campaign.

Some of the specific areas that the PR committee is working on include:1. Training to be “brand champions”

ourselves so we can educate you on how to promote the Move Forward PT campaign or help you to become “brand champions”. (more information at www.apta.org/brandbeat). I highly encourage a visit to this website for tips on living the brand.

2. Developing a method of communication between members and OPTA committees using a Facebook page. This will allow members to share ideas about what they are doing locally in order to inform and motivate others to do similar activities in their area.

3. Linking with other OPTA committees including membership, communication, government affairs and education using the Move Forward PT campaign.

4. Discuss the best ways to utilize our public relations budget for the purpose of educating the public about physical therapy and our scope of practice. This may include radio, magazine, internet, television or local community

Move Forward – Grassroots Marketing Opportunity for all PTs and PTAsBy Ted Ellquist, PT, Public Relations Committee Chair

Continued on page 7


The key to staying competitive is right at your fingertips!

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events to showcase the diversity and the scope of physical therapy practice.

As you can see we have a lot of important work to do. There are additional small projects on which we will be working. We want to recruit you to help out at whatever level you are able. Some of the ways you can support this public relations campaign are to get out the materials you received in your PR packet, visit the brand beat website, or join the public relations committee. Right now we are attending committee meetings (via phone or in person) on a regular basis. For this campaign we need as many people as we can get to work on the PR campaign.

If you interested in volunteering on the PR committee to help even if for one small project at a time, please contact Ted Ellquist (PR chair) at [email protected] or 503.358.8278. You can also contact Sandra Fisher at OPTA at [email protected].

Behind the scenes of every continuing education program provided by OPTA is a team of dedicated members volunteering their time to research potential topics and contact presenters. Our dedicated committee are: Dode Jackson (chair), Trevor Todd (vice-chair), Jim Arnoux, Elizabeth Anderson, Leslie Black, Christen Davidson-Juhnke, Dieu Dinh, Corrine Dutto, Ellen Fineman, Chris Follmar, Sandra Gallagher, Sasha Jackson, Greg Klein, Katie Laubscher, Jodie Paschall-Majerus, Cindy Powell, Michael Rennick, Michelle Sanders, Beatriz Sunderland-White, Thomas Watson, Joyce Wheeler, and Jennifer Wood.

The 2009 Annual Conference turned out to be a great success with educational opportunities for a

variety of clinical (and legislative) interests. We had a presentation on using Wii for rehab, lymphedema for the orthopedic patient, the thoracic spine, legal and insurance issues, neurologic and geriatric rehab and more. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendar for next year.

The rest of 2009 and 2010 are shaping up to include a range of presentations from our popular two-hour doc talks to multi-day techniques classes. Be sure to check the education calender at www.opta.org. The committee is formatting some educational ideas to aid the new and seasoned practitioner to make clinical decisions. So watch for details. The committee is open to exploring all ideas. Please forward any ideas to [email protected].

Continuing Education Committee By Trevor Todd, PT, CE Committee Vice Chair

Move Forward, continued from page 6


PHYSICAL THERAPY

Have you noticed the number of candidates who choose to run for a second term or choose to run again in a new role? Candidates have told members of the nominating committee that they felt it takes one term “to really understand out how the House of Delegates runs or to get the full picture of issues that impact our profession.” All candidates have stated that serving on the board was a rewarding experience.

Congratulations to the following offi cers elected at the March 14th Business Meeting:

Secretary - Mary Fajer, PT Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Manager of Rehabilitation Services

Treasurer - Jerry Cain, PT (re-elected 2nd term)Providence Medical Center, Inpatient PT supervisor

Member at Large #1 - Licensing Board Liaison, Scholarship Committee - Dylan Hogan, PT (re-elected 2nd term)Providence Medical Center, Lead PT, OutpatientsMember at Large #2 - Membership Committee - Jeff Cox, PT (re-elected 2nd term)Mitchell Physical Therapy

Member at Large #3 - Newsletter/Website - Sandra Gallagher, PT OHSU, Women’s Health

Nominating Committee Member - Diane Shiffer, PTPrivate Practice

A big thank you to these strong candidates who ran in the March 14th elections: Tim Esau, PT, Director of Compliance, Infi nity Rehab; Robert Wayner, PT, Therapeutic Associates; Keith Glasser, PT, Optimal Results Physical

Health Center; Troy Cribbins, PT, Pacifi c Home Health and Hospice; Kristin Pauken, PT, Regional Director of Rehab Services, Kaiser Permanente; Marie Britton, PT, Bodywise Physical Therapy; and Debbie Van Dover, PT, Director MT Hood PTA Program.

The APTA Northwest Region Leadership Development Seminar was held on April 4th at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, WA. Participants explored personal leadership development plans, discussed APTA’s Strategic Thinking and Planning Initiative and networked with members from other states. This opportunity comes to the Northwest every 3-4 years. Oregon members who attended this year were Stacey Carmen, PT, Ted Ellquist, PT, Derek Fenwick, PT,

Nominating Committee ReportBy Dode Jackson PT, Nominating Committee Chair

Continued on page 9


If you are interested in joining the PT Northwest family, please contact Mike Hmura, MSPT at 503.371.8860 or email [email protected] can also check us out at:

www.ptnorthwest.com

PT NORTHWEST is looking for outstanding therapists to join the PT Northwest family. Many members of our rehab team have been a part of the PT Northwest family for 10, 15, and even 20+ years. We would like you to join our family. We offer the following:

▲ Strong Compensation▲ Sign On/Relocation Bonus▲ One of The Best Con Ed Packages

in The Nation▲ Tuition Assistance▲ Health & Dental Insurance▲ Paid Vacations & Paid Sick Time▲ Paid Holidays & Birthday▲ 401 k Plan▲ Section 125 Cafeteria Plan▲ Multiple Paths For Specialization

& Leadership▲ Clinical Mentoring Program▲ Flexibility in Schedule & Costco

Membership (of Course)

PT NORTHWEST is a growing, indepen-dent, and progressive physical rehabilitation group with 30 years of experience in Oregon. Therapist owned and operated, PT Northwest strives to provide the leading physical rehab services in the Pacific Northwest, while nurturing a family-friendly atmosphere. Our highly motivated rehab team provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy in the following settings:

▲ Our Outpatient Clinics▲ Inpatient Hospital▲ High Schools & Universities▲ Minor League Sports Teams

COME JOIN THE PT NORTHWEST FAMILY

Employment Opportunities?

Check out OPTA's website for employment postings at www.opta.org. From the home page click on Job Postings and then review the opportunities that are posted.

If you have a job listing that you would like posted, please visit the OPTA website at www.opta.org. Job posting rates are $100 for a 30 day posting. All job postings must be done online. Take advantage of this great opportunity to market your position!

Sandra Gallagher, PT, Keith Glasser PT, Gayle Hernandez, PT, Michael Martin, PT, Michael Mulligan, SPTA, Tom O’Donnell, DPT, Adam Stadtlander, PT and Joshua Zavertnik, SPT.

In my opinion, there has never been a better time to be engaged with your professional association. Our profession needs a strong presence as we face unprecedented healthcare reform. Get involved, join a committee and then consider running for an elected position.

Information about each position is available at: www.opta.org/elections/htm.

If you are interested in running or would like to nominate someone please contact one of the nominating committee members:

Dode Jackson: [email protected] Rebecca Reisch:

[email protected] Shiffer: robdial@comcast.

net.

Visit our Website at

www.opta.org

Congratulations to...

North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Inc. Fellowship Program Eugene, OR

for successfully re-credential-ing as a post-professional ortho-paedic manual therapy program.

Nominating Committee, continued from page 8


Evidence Based Practice (EBP) gets increasing attention as the PT profession evolves. . As health professionals we are getting more research to back up our practice. Tests and treatments that are not shown to be effective are being used less often or not at all. With all the research coming out, busy home lives, full work schedules, and trying

to keep ourselves in good health, it’s hard to keep up on all the new information. Apart from continuing education what are you doing to keep up? Here are 3 ideas to help keep up on research related to your practice.

1. Make sure you’re asking questions. It seems obvious but when we’re busy and have been

practicing for a long time, it’s easy to keep doing the same tests and treatments and stop challenging yourself. To help break out of this routine try to ask yourself one question everyday about a diagnosis, test, treatment, etc. Keep a list of your questions at your desk. When you have a moment to search the internet you’ll have a starting point.

2. Use the resources your APTA membership offers you. People often say they’re not members because they don’t see what the benefits are. One of the many benefits to being APTA/OPTA members is the availability of online resources to current and relevant literature. The APTA research website offers: “Hooked On Evidence” which offers synopsis of research on a variety of treatments related to specific clinic scenarios or “Open Door” which offers multiple databases from the Cochrane Library. There is also further information on how to find research related to PT through resources other than the APTA.

3. Set your work or home computer homepage to the PT Journal. If you’re in a section set your homepage to that journal. This way anytime you go onto the internet you’ll see some of the titles from the current journal and be more likely to read an article when you see something that’s interesting.

Ideas to Incorporate Research Into Your PracticeBy Adam Stadtlander, PT, Research Committee Chair

The OPTA reimbursement committee has been active in re-establishing itself and developing goals and plans for 2009. Committee members include: Michael Billings, Todd Gifford, Tom Moline, Nick Rinard, Ann Stanley, Bob Thomas (Chairperson) and Tom Williams.

First Quarter, 2009 Activities• 2009 Strategic Goals/Plans

established. • Quarterly meeting held on

February 25, 2009.• OPTA Log article written

on Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs), November December 2008 edition.

• Two part webinar conducted on February 26 and March 5 on Documentation and Supervision Guidelines based on 1) APTA, 2) Medicare and 3) Oregon rules. Approximately 20 participants attended.

• Five member questions submitted to committee by email for discussion. All were provided a response.

Current ActivitiesMember Survey • In conjunction with the OPTA

Research Committee, a survey was emailed to all members asking questions relative to knowledge and issues on 1) reimbursement topics and 2) research topics.

• The goal of the survey is to accumulate information to tailor committee activities to the needs of membership

• Preliminary survey results should be available in June.

Future Activities• We are in the process of

developing a reimbursement related educational webinar/seminar for the fall on managed care contracting.

• Further research is in process on new ideas and opportunities for payer interface with the association.

If you have any questions you would like to submit to the reimbursement committee, please feel free to forward your questions to [email protected].

Reimbursement Committee Report By Bob Thomas, PT, Chair, Reimbursement Committee Chair


OPTA Offers a Medical Screening for the Physical Therapist Home

Study Course!

OPTA offers a Medical Screening course in a home study format! You can now purchase the DVD home study program and take the

course when it is convenient for you.

A home study course offers you the advantages of...Self-paced—you can take the course at your own pace at your office

or at home (must have DVD access on your computer or through your TV)

Comprehensive—the course is identical to the “live” version of the courses that we have offered including all of the handout materials

Time Saving—you can take the course when it is convenient for you—24 hours a day, seven days a week

CE Credits—the course is a great way to earn CE credits on your time and schedule.

The full course is a 12 hour course

The refresher course is a 6 hour course

If you are interested in purchasing a home study program contact Stacey Barrett at OPTA at 503.262.9247 or tollfree at 877.452.4919 or

order on-line at www.opta.org

Mount Hood Community College and Pacific University would like to acknowledge and honor the outstanding contributions that PTs and PTAs in the community make toward the education of our students. While we value the contribution of all of our clinical instructors, we wish to recognize an individual for each program that has gone above and beyond the basic requirements. Candidates are nominated by students, and then selected by faculty to recognize a clinical instructor that has provided outstanding service to students, the physical therapy education programs, and to the physical therapy profession.

Mount Hood Community college students and faculty are honored to present this second annual Clinical Instructor of the Year Award to Cliff Stanford, PTA. Cliff graduated from MHCC in 1999. He currently works for ProActive Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy in Gresham.

Cliff has been strong supporter of the program the PTA Program since graduation. He has been a CI for many MHCC students. He often suggests that

volunteers at ProActive consider the PTA Program in their career plans. Recently he voluntarily did a presentation on the benefits of therapeutic taping for the PTA Club.

Students who have been lucky enough to have Cliff as a CI speak highly of his clinical skills, his supportive mentorship and his spirit of service. Student comments include the following:

“Cliff deserves this award because he cares about his job, his patients and his students. He gave me the confidence I needed to become the PTA that I am now.” “He was always there in the area if I needed help, but let me feel like I was in control. He let me try to figure things out before chiming in.”

Pacific University students and faculty are honored to present this second annual Clinical Instructor of the Year Award to Kathy Wijaya, PT. Kathy is a CI and the CCCE for Legacy Emmanuel Children’s Hospital.

Students and faculty at Pacific are most appreciative of Kathy’s clinical skills and her organizational skills. “Kathy is skilled in working with students who excel in her setting, as well as with those who struggle. She is so well-organized that she has helped us hone some of our procedures related to student assignments.”

It is clinicians such as Cliff and Kathy that really make the practice of physical therapy come alive. They have a hand in transforming good students into good clinicians, and they really do touch the future of our profession.

Congratulations Kathy and Cliff and many thanks to all of you who serve our profession by working with our students!!

If you or anyone in your clinic would like to consider a student clinical program, please e-mail Becca at Pacific University at [email protected] or Debbie Van Dover at Mt. Hood at [email protected].

Clinical Instructor of the Year AwardsBy Jane Cedar, PT, MS and Becca Reisch, PT, DPT, OCS

Classified AdPTA Job Opportunity

West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic in downtown Portland is looking for a PTA with good manual skills and trained in exercise. This is for later shift so must be able to work into the early evening. This is a beautiful clinic and a great place to work! 30+ hours a week; vacation, medical, dental, vision, 401K with match. Salary DOE. Must be licensed in Oregon. Email resume to [email protected] or fax to 503-227-7548.


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In Oregon, we have two efforts to follow in health care reform: the national efforts and the local efforts. Nationally, the Obama administration has put the pedal to the metal to fi nd a solution to our struggles with health care. Changes are happening very quickly.

The APTA has been following the national efforts, and has documented the path to this point, as well as monitoring and speaking up on the pieces that may have negative effects on our practice, including reimbursement issues. APTA members can get a full update, and to learn how to stay in touch with legislators. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to apta.org and hover over “advocacy”

2. From that menu, select “Advocacy and Government Affairs Home”

3. From that page, click on the box on the right entitled “Legislative Action Center”.

4. When you click on this it will ask you to login.

5. Remember, user name is your member number, and the password is your last name.

6. When you get there, it will give you background on all the important issues and a very easy way to contact your legislators, with just a few short clicks.

Oregon has done a lot of work towards health care reform. In the words of Representative Kurt Schrader at his health care forum in Oregon City May 9, Oregon is “light years” ahead of the country in health care reform. While a plan has been devised, the devil is in the details, and The Oregon State Legislature is

Health Care Reform UpdateBy Susan Bamberger, PT, MPT, President

“It is my opinion that if we are successful in educating policy makers and payers as to the value of our services, and we take a positive role in health care reform, the demand for our services in a primary care setting and reimbursement will both improve.”

Continued on page 13


working to find funding. The OPTA has attended many meetings to this point, and as a result PT has been specifically noted as an important service.

As health care reform takes hold, we will be encouraged to change the way we practice. Our services are cost effective when compared to surgery and expensive imaging. However, in many ways physical therapy is considered an “ancillary service”. In an effort to cover the most essential services, “ancillary

services” could be misconstrued as nonessential.

With that knowledge, we can go to our lawmakers and help them understand that our training as autonomous practitioners gives us tremendous potential to become an essential element of health reform; one that is focused on prevention and wellness. This impending change gives us the potential to meet our vision as autonomous practitioners of choice sooner than 2020.

It is my opinion that if we are

successful in educating policy makers and payers as to the value of our services, and we take a positive role in health care reform, the demand for our services in a primary care setting and reimbursement will both improve.

If you would like to be involved in health care reform at either the national or state level, we could sure use you!! You can contact me at [email protected], and I would be delighted to get you started. If you are not a member, now is the time - join.

The state legislature is winding down and we had one big win this year. The bill to allow medical providers who have a doctorate degree to call themselves Doctor is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. The professional needs to have the degree, be licensed by the state, and use the term Dr. along with the profession practiced (i.e. Mary Jones, PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy or Dr. Mary Jones, Doctor of Physical Therapy). While the APTA/OPTA does not take a position on using the title in the clinic with patients, this is something that is controversial and might not be encouraged currently. Use of the title “Dr.” is best used when teaching a course, on a business card, and publishing papers, etc.

We opposed a bill that would have amended the Chiropractors Licensing statute to provide a very broad definition of subluxation. We offered some alternate language which they did not accept. The bill did not pass out of the Senate Healthcare Committee.

The rest of the legislative session

this year has been consumed by budget issues and universal healthcare bills.

We continue to educate the public and lawmakers regarding PT and our use of manipulation as part of our scope of practice. We also have the pending issue of the chiropractor sponsored ballot initiative for 2010 which, if passed, would limit our ability to do manipulation. They are in the process of collecting signatures at this time.

Legislative day was held on March 12 and we had a great turnout of PT’s – over 100 therapists and students were at the Capitol in Salem to lobby legislators regarding the bill allowing a PT to use the title Dr., our manipulation practice, and other issues important to PT’s in Oregon. We had information booths set up in the rotunda with a golf swing analysis, spine and posture booth, gait analysis and general information. Justin Elliott from the APTA was in town to attend our legislative day and spoke to the attendees. We had lots of help from the APTA in our efforts

and really appreciate the financial and time contributions.

Nationally we had our APTA Government Affairs Forum in Washington D.C. in May and we had three PT’s from OPTA attending. They lobbied our Oregon Senators and Representatives regarding Medicare Direct Access, Elimination of the Cap, and other issues important to our profession. Our visit with Rep. DeFazio also addressed his cosponsorship of a bill that would require Medicare to reimburse for ATC’s to perform PT in a physicians office. We believe this is a VERY BAD BILL and will be encouraging Rep. DeFazio to reconsider.

We will be planning a PAC fundraiser for the fall. In the meantime please consider contributing to the Oregon PT PAC. Information can be found on the OPTA website.

Please contact me with questions/concerns or to join our committee at [email protected].

Government Affairs Committee ReportBy Ricci Susick, PT, Government Affairs Committee Chair

Health Care, continued from page 12


In less than 2 weeks the American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates meets in Baltimore. There, the delegates will discuss reference committee motions (RCs), generated by state PT organizations and the APTA. We will also vote on candidates for national offi ce.

OPTA members elect eight delegates from a variety of backgrounds to represent the state to the APTA’s highest governing body. The delegation includes a PTA representative. A PT student from Pacifi c University and a PTA student from Mt Hood Community College are also participating, thanks to scholarships from the OPTA.

This is a great opportunity for emerging leaders to become involved at a state and national level.

The delegates meet several times in preparation for the House. This year, we have been discussing issues pertinent to PTs in the state of

Oregon, as well as issues that affect the membership of the APTA. For example, we have been looking at what the APTA has been doing to address workforce shortages. To learn more about the candidates for APTA offi ces, we have been contacting them, their references, and our colleagues in their states. The slate of candidates is excellent – a reminder of what any of us can do when we start to give a little time to our profession!

The main event is the RC discussions. RCs cover varied topics including ethics, professionalism, scope of practice, administrative issues, the role of the PTA, patient care, and models of healthcare delivery. I have been surprised at how many issues even the most straightforward RCs brought up. Unanticipated consequences for patients and practitioners, the legal and ethical implications, and how changes might advance the profession toward Vision

2020 and beyond had to be discussed. One big RC is a revision of the

APTA PT and PTA code of ethics. The current code primarily addresses the role of the PT in patient care and patient management. The new code addresses the roles of the PT as educator, critical inquirer, consultant, and administrator. It incorporates the APTA’s core values more explicitly, address changes in the profession regarding autonomous practice and becoming a doctoring profession, and agrees with Vision 2020. It addresses the unique role of physical therapists in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

Specifi cally, the new code of ethics includes guidelines for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant accountability, integrity, legal obligations, responsibility for lifelong learning, business practices, meeting the healthcare needs of diverse patients, professionalism, and more. It includes minimum requirements for behavior (“shall”) and ethical standards to aspire to (“should”). Therapists will be happy to hear that it is shorter than the current version! If passed by the House, the new code will take effect on July 1, 2010.

Although the code of ethics is a big issue for the House, there are many other RCs, including: examining the changing role of the PT in a changing healthcare environment; asking the APTA to adopt more environmentally friendly “green” practices; redefi ning continued competence and professional development; adding PT to the list of professions eligible for student loan repayment programs. If passed, they will affect the ways that PTs and PTAs practice, represent themselves, and interact with other healthcare professionals. If you are interested in any of these issues, or would like to present an RC yourself, consider running for Active Delegate in the OPTA fall elections!

House of Delegates ReportBy Tasha MacIlveen, PT, Delegate

$50 Invested Each Year in the OPT-PAC (Political Action Committee) becomes a $50

Oregon State Tax Credit to you.

OPT-PAC serves all Oregon therapists by educating legislators and supporting bills important

to all Oregon physical therapists.

Support our goal to support you.

To make an investment, send your contribution to:

OPT-PAC 1001 Mollala Ave., #205Oregon City, OR 97045


HistorySixty-one y/o female referred

to outpatient physical therapy for evaluation of cervical radiculopathy with diagnosis of spinal stenosis.

Primary complaint of cervical pain intermittently radiating into her right arm and hand. Exacerbating activities: lying in bed with her head propped in a fl exed position to read and sitting at computer for long periods of time. Patient states that the vertigo is longstanding for several years and occurs whenever she lies down fl at or goes to hairdresser and extends her head for shampoo. Her vertigo has never been addressed by any health care professional

PT Examination:Signifi cant increased thoracic

kyphosis and forward head posture.Her posture is somewhat fl exible

but she is not able to achieve neutral with active or passive ROM.

McKenzie assessment:

• All active movements increased cervical pain.

• Repeated seated fl exion and retraction/extension increased cervical pain, remaining worse.

• Supine retraction/extension abolished pain.

• AROM improved with fl exion and bilateral rotation post repeated retraction/extension movements.

• Unable to achieve full extension of cervical spine in supine due to patient complaints of vertigo in this position.

Vertigo Assessment:

• Patient was assessed for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) using the Dix Hallpike test and fi ndings were positive.

• Her BPPV was treated using the Epley maneuver for canalith repositioning.

• Home program included postural education, modifi ed sitting and sleeping postures for cervical spine support.

Outcomes:

• Patient returned in one week with no further complaints of vertigo, no cervical or radicular pain at time of treatment and improved cervical ROM.

• Some localized pain with end range left cervical rotation.

• Reassessment for BPPV demonstrated negative Dix-Hallpike test.

• Continued disorientation and abnormal movement perception when performing supine to and from sitting. This is common with longstanding BPPV and usually resolves with progressive habituation exercises, which were initiated on the second visit.

• Patient still sitting with her head in protracted position and experiencing cervical pain with prolonged sitting activities.

• Patient was given seated retractions, which had no immediate effect on her symptoms, but did improve her postural awareness.

• Over the next several visits the patients remaining symptoms of pain with rotation and dizziness with motion continued to improve with only continued postural education and progression of her habituation exercises, and no further treatment of her neck.

ConclusionThis patient is an example of

how vertigo and dizziness can be a component of cervical pain and dysfunction. When patients tell us about their vertigo or dizziness we need to be adept in assessment and/or refer to someone who can fully address their needs.

Facts about BPPV• BPPV is the most common cause

of vertigo increasingly so with advanced age. 50% of patients over 65 with dizziness have BPPV.

• BPPV is the result of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia or canaliths) loosening from the utricle of the inner ear and rolling into the semicircular canals.

• The otoconia are dense and move when head position relative to gravity changes. Their movement in the semicircular canal creates a sense of vertigo with characteristic nystagmus.

• BPPV is easily treated with a repositioning maneuver, most commonly the Epley, with full resolution of symptoms in 1-2 treatments in 80-90% of patients. BPPV can mimic other conditions, so if you are unsure, please refer to a vestibular therapist, ENT or audiologist for testing.

References:Herdman, S. J., Clendaniel, R.

A. (2007, March 13-18). Vestibular Rehabiliation: A Compentency Based Course. Presented at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.

Resolution of Radicular Cervical Pain with Treatment of Posture and VertigoBy Jamie Caulley, PT


It is likely that you treat a diabetic patient every day as a physical therapist. Type 2 diabetes has a prevalence of 7.8% in the United States and 23.1% of the population over 60 years.1 Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States1.

Do you know how to help your diabetic patients? One of the responsibilities of physical therapists with Direct Access privileges is to properly screen patients for a variety of medical conditions and to educate them on the impact of medical

conditions on their response to physical therapy. OPTA is offering an important course called Diabetes and the PT Role at our Fall Business Meeting on September 26 in Portland. The course, taught by Heather Purdin Goodell, M.S., PT, will help physical therapists understand their role in managing the diabetic patient.

Goodell states, “The primary modifi able risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are obesity and physical inactivity.” In fact, lifestyle modifi cation of diet and exercise has been shown to reduce the incidence of

Type 2 diabetes by 58%.1,2,3 “Physical therapists are the health care professionals who are most qualifi ed to address these modifi able risk factors,” notes Goodell. Physical therapists have the knowledge and skills to safely guide a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient to a healthy exercise program.

With an increasing population of people over 60 years old and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes highest in this age group, physical therapists are going to encounter more diabetic patients in the future. Now is an ideal time for physical therapists to become experts in treating patients with diabetes and in knowing how to help patients manage their diabetes. “We all have to do our part in educating the public, doctors and politicians about the benefi ts of using physical therapy as a fi rst intervention.”

According to the APTA’s brand campaign, physical therapists need to communicate that we are the experts in restoring and improving motion in people’s lives. This includes instruction on exercise for disease prevention and wellness. “I think more and more the public will recognize us as the fi rst choice for education in an exercise program that protects the body.” states Goodell.

Mark your calendar for this great opportunity to serve your patients better. Join your colleagues at the OPTA’s Fall Business meeting for Diabetes and the PT Role on September 26.

References: 1. National Institutes of Health

Diabetes Prevention Program: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.

2. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, 2006. Published by the American Diabetes Association.

3. APTA’s Emerging PT Practice: number 10. Diabetes Prevention.

4. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

Do You Know How to Help Your Diabetic Patients?By Corrine Duttos, PT

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O P P O RT U N I T YT O E X C E L

Practice Physical Therapy at OHSU

Come join us!

Oregon's only academic medical center, a Level 1 Trauma Centerwith core programs in:

• Neuroscience• Cardiology• Oncology• Orthopaedics• And spine

Physical therapists at OHSU are dedicated to advancing thepractice of physical therapy through patient-centered, evidencedbased and collaborative care in a dynamic setting.Full and part-time physical therapist positions availableNew weekend flex therapist up to $50/hour

OHSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.Contact Michael Rennick, PT MPHat 503.494.3163 and apply online today at www.ohsu.edu

Full time Orthopaedic PT needed for Outpatient Sports Medicine clinic July 2009

Katie Laubscher, PT, DPT assumed the administration of the Pediatric Clinical Residency at CDRC upon the departure of Anne Turner, PT, MS. Anne accepted a position at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Anne was instrumental in developing the nation’s first clinical residency for pediatric physical therapists. She will be involved in similar program development in Texas along with her clinical and teaching responsibilities.

Katie is the first pediatric PT in the nation to complete a credentialed pediatric residency. She received her Pediatric Specialty Certification at CSM 2009 in February. Katie joined the education and volunteer committees within the Section on Pediatrics,

and is the state representative for the western region of the Section on Pediatrics. She participates, along with colleagues from the Doernbecher Health Lifestyles Clinic, in the Childhood Obesity Focus Group, sponsored by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutes.

Erin Enright, PT, DPT is the current resident. Her clinical time is divided between serving children at the NW Regional Education Service District (NWRESD), clinics at CDRC and Shriners, and assisting in the pediatric course at Pacific University. She is a member of APTA, OPTA, and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). Her involvement in these organizations includes

membership on the PR committee within the APTA’s Section of Pediatrics and the committee on the AACPDM. She attended the OPTA Legislative Day in Salem on March 12, and presented at the Therapy in Educational Settings (TIES) with her mentor, Lisa Protsman, PT, PhD, at NWRESD on April 28.

Lisa Protsman, PT, PhD is the western region representative to the school practice special interest group of the Section on Pediatrics. She and David Komeiji, PT attended the SIG meeting at CSM 2009 and reported that Oregon’s Rule is being used as a model for integrating IDEA language to state practice act language.

Nancy Cicirello, PT, MPH, EdD

Pediatric Physical Therapy NewsBy Nancy Cicirello, PT

Continued on page 18


was a panelist for the opening multisection educational session at CSM 2009, “The Continuum of Care for Individuals with Lifelong Disabilities.” As part of her presentation, she introduced former patient and keynote speaker, Jan Brunstrom-Hernandez, MD, who shared her own life journey of aging with a disability. Nancy shared her Peace Corps volunteer experiences at the Cross-Cultural & International Special Interest Group (CCISIG) Global Health Reception. She also was honored with the Section on Pediatrics Anniversary Award for vision, support, and service to the section and is now a board member for United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon and SW Washington.

David Komeiji, PT, MMSc, Lisa Protsman, PT, PhD, and Nancy Cicirello, PT, MPH, EdD, with Paul Dressler, OTR, are writing members of a subcommittee of the Orthopedic Impairment Working Group through the Oregon Department of Education. They currently are updating and revising the Physical and Occupational Therapy in Educational Settings manual for Oregon. Updates will reflect current reauthorization of IDEA and revisions will imbed the APTA and AOTA adoption of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Function (WHO, ICF) language and model.

477

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Pediatric PT, continued from page 17

J O I NOPTA

ItPays

See Page 3


Hey Nick, Slow Down! By Johnny Galver PT, BPM, Physical Therapy Center, Inc.

Nick is a 19-year-old athlete with whom I became acquainted through the Special Olympics. Nick’s willingness to be challenged inspired me to create a project for physical therapists and Special Olympians.

Four years ago, Nick’s dad asked if I would play golf with his son in the Spring Special Olympics games. I agreed, and soon took a liking to this young man. He loved to talk sports, and he showed promise so far as he could connect with the ball and putt. A week before the Regional event, we went out on our own and played his first round at a local course.

During our nine holes, I frequently had to tell him to hurry so we did not slow the other golfers down. By the end, he was exhausted and happy to have played his first official nine holes. Ironically, we did not make the Regional event. While at school, Nick fell playing basketball and broke his wrist. He just shrugged it off and said maybe next year.

That next year we finished third at the Regional event, but the State event was the most memorable. He had some incredible shots and one amazing putt from twenty feet away down a sloped green. We were high-fiving with each other and the other golfers all day. If you have not been involved with Special Olympics, the sportsmanship alone is reason enough.

We finished, handed in our scores and anxiously awaited the results... we placed FIRST! We celebrated with a feast at Woodstock’s Pizza! It was during this excitement that I challenged Nick to get in better condition - thus the inspiration began.

One thing I learned while being a part of Special Olympics is the athletes are coached the skills to play their chosen event. However, due to

time available, conditioning for their event is entirely up to the parents and the athletes themselves.

I created a conditioning program for Nick based on a program for our other athletes in our clinic. Three years ago he walked ten minutes at 2 mph and was exhausted. Now he is up to 3.5 mph/2% incline for twenty minutes, running at 12 mph forward, and 7 mph backwards. He is able to jump and turn 180 degrees, perform a 60 second plank, toss and catch an 11 pound ball against a trampoline while sitting with his feet off the

ground 20 times. His balance, gait, endurance, strength, and coordination have all improved. He enjoys using his newfound skills in all his Special Olympics sports and other activities. I don’t remind Nick to hurry up anymore. Now it’s “Hey Nick, slow down!“

Do you think you have something to add to a special Olympians life? I have a project in mind, if interested please e-mail me at [email protected]. Watch for future articles on how you may help.

Nick and Johnny celebrating their win.


Bill is an outstanding driving force in physical therapy education, professionalism and clinical excellence. His contributions are palpable all over the Northwest and across the country.

Bill began his career in the late 70’s by taking his New York tenacity to Los Angeles California where he worked at the renowned Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. He and his wife moved to Eugene, Oregon and he soon found himself leading the Sacred Heart cardiopulmonary rehabilitation department. His program quickly became known nationally.

By 1990, he decided to bend his career in the direction of outpatient orthopaedics. He started his own practice and has since created a wake of expertise in the orthopaedic world that will echo for years to come. He excelled through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) program and is currently the vice president of administration. He is a NAIOMT board member, examiner, faculty and clinical instructor. Bill spends many weekends traveling to all parts of the country teaching this coursework. He was one of the first noble few to become a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists.

Bill came to work for Therapeutic Associates in the late 1990s and has been instrumental in assisting me develop the TAI residency program and mentorship program. The breadth of his influence to developing therapists is broad. He mentors developing therapists as students, as entry staff, residents and fellows. Each week he spends at least two full days a week in a mentorship role, often traveling around Oregon,

Washington, Idaho and California. Bill’s dedication to the process and performance is outstanding.

Bill’s new frontier in PT points toward clinical research. He currently workings with imaging experts, physicians and other PT clinicians on detecting spinal instability and rotator cuff function using fluoroscopy and real time ultrasound.

It’s beyond me how Bill finds the time to gracefully maintain this schedule. He and his wife Kathy have raised two exceptional girls. One serves our country in the air force and the other has become a bright spark in the future of physical therapy.

The OPTA delegates organized a task force to analyze workforce needs in the field of physical therapy within the State of Oregon.

Recently, as an Oregon Delegate, I was asked to chair this task force. I have been in contact with other states such as Wisconsin and North Carolina to discuss their analysis of the workforce. It appears, to date, these two states are at the forefront of assessing needs in order to bring further recommendations to the APTA on how to address the pressing issue of potential shortage of PTs and PTAs.

Further, I have been initiating discussions with other groups by attending such events as the Oregon Health Forum, a group organized to look at needs and issues within all healthcare fields. At this meeting, I had the opportunity to connect with some State Employees physicians, and

administrators who are working on assessing needs through out all health occupations.

The analysis of this appears to be complicated. First, we need to determine what is being done at the State government level, in order to not re-invent the wheel. Second, we need to work closely with other states which have already organized and acted upon needs within their own boundaries.

In the near future, the goal is to establish a committee involving health care representatives in the state from all venues. This will give us the perspective needed to fully assess needs in the field of physical therapy. If anyone has any input, or would like to help in this task, please contact Mike Hmura via e-mail or phone [email protected], 503.371.8860.

The Physical Therapy Workforce AnalysisBy Mike Hmura MSPT, PT Northwest

Bill Temes PT, OCS, FAAOMPT Receives Mercedes-Weiss Service AwardDavid Deppeler, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Therapeutic Associates Inc.

Bill Temes PT, OCS, FAAOMPT Mercedes-Weiss Service Award recipient


Congratulations to Tracy Rutten, the 2009 OPTA Distinguished Service Award winner. Many of you know Tracy as our hard working lobbyist from Western Advocates from 2006 through 2008.

When Tracy joined us as our lobbyist she worked diligently to get quickly up to speed on our issues and to learn as much about physical therapy as possible. She led us through three years of tumultuous legislative battles. She presented calm, detailed testimony on behalf of OPTA. She also attended and guided actions during OPTA’s monthly government affairs committee meetings and represented OPTA and our interests with expertise and sage advice. She spent countless hours researching legislative history and opinions that affect physical therapy, and

took personal time out to ensure we met our deadlines including a late weekend drive to deliver a PT PAC donation before a stringent deadline.

At the end of 2008, Tracy transitioned to a new role with Western Advocates that will allow her to spend more time in Portland with her newborn daughter and less time traveling to Salem. Thank you Tracy!! We wish you all the best.

Distinguished Service AwardBy Chris Murphy, PT

Federal Government Affairs ReportBy Chris Murphy, PT

On May 19, 2009, Karen Walz, Cathy Zarosinski and Chris Murphy represented the Oregon Physical Therapy Association at the annual Federal Government Affairs Forum in Washington, DC. We met with the Congressional delegation from Oregon to discuss issues relating to Medicare and Student Loan Repayment Programs.

Bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate (HR 43/S. 46) to repeal the Medicare therapy cap instituted in 1997. Currently, there is a $1840 limit for physical therapy and speech language pathology services with a temporary exceptions process for some cases. Representatives Wu, Blumenauer, Walden and DeFazio have agreed to cosponsor HR 43.

On April 29 the Senate passed an amendment by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and John Ensign (R-NV) to the budget’s existing deficit neutral reserve fund relating to health care reforms. This allows for improvements to the Medicare program for beneficiaries and protects access to outpatient therapy services, including physical therapy, through measures such as repealing the current outpatient caps while protecting beneficiaries from premium increases.

APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD said, “By including this provision in the budget, our nation’s aging adults are one step closer to having increased access to the rehabilitative and health services provided by physical therapists that are necessary for many conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, Parkinson disease, and cardiovascular disease, that lead to pain and some level of loss of function.”

There are other bills in both the House and the Senate to allow Direct Access to Physical Therapy for Medicare patients (HR 1829/ S 950). This legislation would minimize the wait for access to needed services by eliminating the requirement for certification of a treatment plan by an attending physician. Representatives Blumenauer, DeFazio, Walden and Wu are cosponsors of HR 1829.

HR 988/SB1059, the “Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act” would enable physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. This allows physical therapists with active federal student loans to receive up to 50k for repayment of loans in exchange for two years of service in under-served areas. Representatives DeFazio and Walden have agreed to cosponsor HR 988.

There is also a great deal of discussion about a long term fix to the Physician’s Fee Schedule. Without action by Congress this year there is a planned 20% drop in the fee schedule for next year. However, several measures are expected to be introduced around the Memorial Day recess to address health care reform.

If you would like to be more involved in Federal Government Affairs, consider joining the APTA’s grassroots PTeam. The PTeam is a vital link to APTA’s success on Capitol Hill. All PTeam members receive a quarterly newsletter on legislative activity on Capitol Hill and Legislative Action Alerts on federal legislative issues. Through the alerts, you are asked to contact your Members of Congress on particular issues of concern to your patients and the physical therapy profession.

Tracy Rutten, the 2009 OPTA Distinguished Service Award winner


IMAGINATION, INSPIRATION, & INNOVATION

This February I experienced one of the most exciting, inspiring, and rewarding weekends of my professional career. I was selected for this first-of-its-kind event for the APTA. The magnitude of this event didn’t really set in until I received the list of participants. My excitement grew as I saw the names of professors, leaders in research and academia, government affairs officials, and successful practice owners. The participant list was divided into a pit/gallery format with the majority of the pit members being experts in their field.

Let me first explain “PASS”. In 2006 the APTA House of Delegates passed a motion to convene a summit by 2010 to address how Physical Therapists can meet current, and future societal healthcare needs. The goal of this summit was to empower physical therapists to be leaders in (1) integrating innovative technologies and practice models and (2) establishing collaborative multidisciplinary partnerships that address these needs. The summit was not constrained by existing law, regulation, education, or reimbursement policy.

The APTA designated a Steering Committee of ten association leaders that would plan and facilitate the summit. Each committee member was assigned to lead one of 5

topical teams. All participants were also assigned to one of the 5 topical teams (1) Education and Professional Research, (2) Health Care Access, Systems and Funding, (3) Practice Models, (4) Research, and (5) Technology. The Steering Committee along with about 50 other experts from the field of physical therapy, bioscience, engineering, information technology, government, theology, payers, health policy, academia, and international healthcare made up the pit.

The gallery consisted of about 60 individuals from physical therapy and other related health fields selected by nomination. The pit/gallery format was used to present innovative perspectives in (1) technological change: (a) integrated data; (b) tissue engineering; (c) information technology; (d) imaging; (e) prosthetics; (f) robotics, and in (2) systemic change: (a) legislative perspective; (b) non-US perspective; (c) payment policy; (d) ambulatory practice of the future; (e) government/NIH; (f) practice models. A question and debate session followed each presentation. The gallery listened while the pit discussed and debated the perspectives.

The next stage was topical team meetings in a highly interactive brainstorming session. The team interactions began before the summit on a private online web site. Each team discussed questions designed to jump start the conversation. All teams were presented with resources, background information and provocative food for thought for to each topic. The teams focused on identifying opportunities for Physical Therapy related to their topic using the following rules of engagement: (1) Visionary Thinking, (2) Excellence, (3) Innovation, (4) Collaboration, and (5) Accountability. The teams top two opportunities were presented then to all summit participants.

Some great ideas discussed include: establishing physical therapists as leaders in prevention and wellness; developing data driven optimal practice; increasing knowledge and use of technological equipment and resources; increasing collaboration with other areas in healthcare to improve access; and becoming coordinators of care. The information and ideas generated at this summit were presented to the APTA Board of Directors. The Board will look at the wide range of opportunities identified at PASS and act on the outcomes of PASS to set strategic priorities.

I learned a tremendous amount that weekend and made valuable contacts for the future. The APTA did a great job of bringing together experts in the field of physical therapy, healthcare and science, old guard and new graduates alike. This particular mix allowed the summit to look at our profession through many different perspectives and develop many new and exciting opportunities for the future of Physical Therapy.

PASS: PT and Society Summit By Ann Stanley, PT, DPT, Mid Columbia Medical Center

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Documents

Therapy Association Oregon Log - MemberClicksPage 2 - Spring 2009 OPTA OREGON LOG OPTA Board President Susan Bamberger, PT 503.251.6100 Portland, OR [email protected] Past-President