Come to Madison and support the promotion of the physical therapy profession. Join your colleagues in Madison and learn how the legislative process works at the state level, updates on issues affecting physical therapy and a chance to meet and talk with your local elected legislators and their staff.
One of the most important places to advocate for physical therapy causes is in our state legislature. Establishing and maintaining a relationship with your legislator allows you to communicate what’s important to your patients, your practice and other therapists in your district. It’s also a perfect time to thank legislators for their past support.
Health Services Research Direct Access Study
A new Health Services Research Direct Access study found that patients who come to physical therapy on their own have fewer visits and lower costs than patients referred by physicians. The study, published ahead of print in the journal Health Services Research, was funded by a grant from APTA, the Private Practice Section and the Health Policy & Administration Section.
The study provides further evidence to support direct access to physical therapists. A summary of key points includes:
• The average allowable amount for physical therapy claims was lower for patients who visited a physical therapist directly-- $347 compared to $420 on average for physician-referred patients;
• Patients who visited a physical therapist directly for outpatient care had fewer visits (86% of physician-referred) on average than those who were referred by a physician;
• The removal of a physician gatekeeper did not lead to overuse of care;
• There was no indication that patients who visited a physical therapist directly became disengaged from the overall health care system, and continuity of care was maintained.
Upcoming Audio Conference Dec. 13: Hospital Based Direct Access
posted: Nov/21/2011
Upcoming Audio Conference:
Hospital Based Direct Access
In response to extensive interest by members practicing in hospital-based outpatient settings, APTA is holding an audio conference titled “Hospital Based Direct Access” on Tuesday, December 13, from noon-1pm central time and 1pm-2pm eastern time. Speakers for the audio conference are Wisconsin President Kip Schick, PT, DPT, MBA andUW-Madison’s Bill Boissonnault, PT, DHSc, FAAOMPT who will speak about their positive experience at the University of Wisconsin Health Center. Those who are unable to attend the live version of the audio conference can access the course at a later date through APTA’s Learning Center. Information on the audio conference is available http://www.apta.org/Course/TheSource/2011/12/13/ or through APTA’s home page or the Learning Center.
Price: $75 Member | $120 Nonmember (subject to change) CEU: .2 CEUs (2 contact hours)
West Central District Board Meeting – Minutes for Monday, September 26
In attendance: Carmen Liebelt (chair), Shari Borreson (vice-chair), Erin Hussey (secretary), Jack Knudson-Stuhr (PR), Linda Shepardson (Educ/Membership), Matt Wilson (member), Barb Helgeson (member).
Board & committee leaders absent: Aneissa Hesse (Treas), Jeff Komay (Nominating), Mary Kerrigan (member Cont Educ).
Open discussion relative to past minutes and Board initiatives to support WPTA mission & goals.
• Plan for a membership meeting in spring of 2012 that targets student involvement and membership awareness.
o Tentative plans: activity involving reception (eg, wine & cheese reception) for an “Evidence-based smorgasbord”. Students from UW-L and Western asked to attend with posters representing Wellness programs, Service learning, Evidence-based literature review, and/or Research activities. Members invited to attend either with their own poster or to view & interact.
? UW-L PT students potentially more available in spring; Western PTA students would be completing final internship.
? Outcome goals: Interaction, member awareness, student involvement, support discussions of evidence-based initiatives in physical therapy.
? Attendees vote to award poster winners in fun categories.
? Possible location? Eco Park suggested.
? Date suggested: Monday of the last week in April (April 30, 2012).
? Actions needed:
• Communication to engage students from UW-L and Western TC: Erin H, Shari B, and Jeff K
• Confirm location, time, date: Linda S
• Publicize the event: Jack KS, Board secretary (currently Erin H)
• Discussion of meeting nights for West Central District continuing education and member meetings.
o Currently 3rd Tuesday of each month. Has been 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Wed in the past
o Suggestion to consider changing to a different day of week – either for full year, or select one night for fall meetings and a different week night for spring meetings.
o Rationale: increase potential to reach different members relative to their own ongoing commitments.
o Action: select other nights for incidental meetings this year (eg, Monday in late April for the member reception night). For the next academic year, develop a schedule that varies the evening somewhat to assess response. – Linda S (CE committee)
• Linda S requested members provide her with CE suggestions that WCD could host.
o Provide name, contact information, topic as possible.
• Follow-up on discussion regarding WCD sponsoring any needs for the PT involvement with St Clare’s? Action – Aneissa or Carmen will follow-up to have a conversation with Michele Thorman.
• Membership (Linda S)
o Confirmed still planning a drawing for payment of 50% of APTA membership. Drawing is based on attendee registration at continuing education meetings.
o Plan – drawing to be held in December for 1 PT and 1 PTA.
o Reimbursement provided to the member for 50% of the cost of an annual membership in APTA on receipt of a copy of paid membership.
• Scholarship plans (Shari B)
o Board approved continuation of scholarships for UW-L PT (1 scholarship at value of $1,000) and at Western PTA (2 scholarships, each valued at $500).
• Elections due in fall of 2011
o Clarified bylaws and board members interest in continuing their positions for another term.
o President – due for election in 2011. Carmen would like to exit role as chair, is committed to mentoring new WCD chair for the transition.
o Vice President – due for election in 2011. Shari is willing to be on the ballot to be re-elected as vice-chair.
o Secretary – not due for election until fall 2012. However, Erin has served for 2 + terms due to early exit of past Secretary and is requesting this be placed up for open seat during fall 2011 elections.
o Treasurer – not due for reelection until fall 2012.
o Action: determine if voting can occur electronically – Erin H. (Addendum Note, the option of electronic voting at district level has been confirmed with Karen Oshman and is the plan for fall 2011).
• Future initiatives:
o National Fall Prevention day was observed around the country coinciding with the first day of fall in September. Discussed participating in this initiative as a district as a service component of West Central District.
o Action: to be developed.
• Planned District membership meetings/updates
o October – update meeting coinciding with Continuing Education on 3rd Tuesday.
o February – business & update meeting coinciding with 3rd Tuesday CE offering
o April 30 – WCD reception and evidence-based smorgasbord
o June 19 – District planning meeting
Minutes submitted by Erin Hussey, November 4, 2011.
Reminder of HIPAA Compliance Testing and Implementation for ForwardHealth Programs
HIPAA ASC X12 version 5010 and NCPDP version D.0 compliance testing is underway for ForwardHealth Programs! Each HIPAA-covered entity (e.g., provider, payer, clearinghouse, or other vendor) is responsible for ensuring its own compliance with versions 5010 and D.0 transaction requirements. Providers who contract with billing services, clearinghouses, or other vendors are responsible for ensuring the services provided by their contractors are compliant with HIPAA and ForwardHealth requirements. After completing internal testing, covered entities are required to complete compliance testing with ForwardHealth to ensure that they are able to submit and receive versions 5010 and D.0 transactions in preparation for the federally mandated January 1, 2012, implementation date.
PES
HIPAA-compliant Provider Electronic Solutions (PES) software is available on the ForwardHealth Portal. After upgrading to the 5010- and D.0-compliant version of the PES software, providers are required to complete compliance testing as described in the PES Trading Partner Testing Packet. On December 16, 2011, ForwardHealth will stop accepting claims submitted using the current version of PES and providers will be required to use the 5010- and D.0-compliant version of PES.
NCPDP Version D.0
ForwardHealth testing for National Council Prescription Drug Program (NCPDP) version D.0 transactions will be conducted by the Value Added Networks (VANs), not the individual providers. Providers who use PES software to submit compound and non compound claims will not submit compliance testing for compound and non compound claim transactions. These providers should contact their VAN or switch vendor to confirm compliance testing has occurred and to obtain answers to their questions regarding NCPDP version D.0 preparedness.
Dual Processing Period
There will be a dual processing or transition period between October 16 and December 31, 2011, during which ForwardHealth will accept in the production environment the current version 4010 and NCPDP version 5.1 transactions and the new version 5010 and NCPDP version D.0 transactions.
For the 270/271 and 276/277 transactions, the transition period during which ForwardHealth will accept both versions 4010 and 5010 will also be between October 16 and December 31, 2011.
Background on HIPAA ASC X12 Version 5010 and NCPDP Version D.0
Effective January 1, 2012, changes to HIPAA and NCPDP standards will impact electronic, paper, PES, and ForwardHealth Portal transactions exchanged with ForwardHealth. All covered entities will be required to begin using the new ASC X12 version 5010 and NCPDP version D.0 standards. In compliance with the federal mandate, ForwardHealth will not accept HIPAA version 4010 or NCPDP version 5.0 transactions after December 31, 2011.
Refer to the HIPAA ASC X12 Version 5010 and NCPDP Version D.0 Implementation Page on the Portal at www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/ for more information. Contact the EDI Helpdesk at (866) 416-4979 with compliance testing or PES questions. Contact Provider Services at (800) 947-9627 for general information regarding HIPAA implementation.
Assembly Bill 259 passed the Wisconsin Assembly on November 3. This legislation makes a significant contribution to public health by improving and protecting the health and safety of youth athletes in Wisconsin. By educating youth athletes, parents, coaches, and game officials on youth concussions, these key stakeholders will gain a better understanding of the causes and risks of concussions in youth sports. Athlete safety is enhanced by requiring that athletes be removed from sport or activity following a confirmed or suspected concussion. The legislation further enhances athlete safety by requiring written clearance from a health care provider prior to a youth athlete returning to play after sustaining a confirmed or suspected concussion. The definition of health care provider ensures that youth athletes will continue to access many types of health care professionals, including physical therapists, for the management of youth concussions, including return to play decisions. The legislation also includes provisions that mitigate the risk of civil liability for coaches, officials, volunteer health care providers, and other volunteers.
The WPTA supported Assembly Bill 259 and provided written and verbal testimony to the Assembly Committee on Education. The WPTA thanks the authors of the bill, Assembly Representative Jason Fields and Senator Alberta Darling, the Assembly Committee on Education, and the full Assembly, for the introduction and passage of this important legislation.
On the Senate side of the legislature, Senate Bill 243, has been introduced and has been heard by the Committee on Public Health, Human Services, and Revenue. The WPTA testified and provided written support of this legislation on October 24, along with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and many other groups. At this point, the Senate Committee on Public Health, Human Services, and Revenue has not voted on the bill. The WPTA remains optimistic that in early 2012, this committee and the full Senate will pass the legislation.
Thanks to all WPTA members who took action to make your voice heard on this important issue. Stay tuned in 2012 for additional updates!
The Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (WPTA) is excited to announce a partnership with the lobbying firm of Martin Schreiber and Associates (MS&A) in Madison for lobbying services on state legislative issues and other matters. Annie Early Reinhard and Jeremey Shepherd, are assigned to WPTA as our primary lobbyists, and our association also has access to all employees within MS&A.
The WPTA views this partnership as a critical component to ensuring progress with achieving the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the association. Kip Schick, President of the WPTA, comments, "The WPTA is impressed with Annie, Jeremey, and MS&A due to their experience and success with lobbying in Wisconsin, which includes their familiarity with lobbying on behalf of member associations. More specifically, MS&A has demonstrated success with legislative achievements, coalition building, and communicating effectively with stakeholders."
As part of the decision making process, the WPTA formed a search committee to consider lobbyists and make a recommendation to the WPTA Board of Directors. The search committee included Karen Oshman, Executive Director; Kip Schick, President; Connie Kittleson (Vice President); Steve Johnson (Treasurer); Brett Roberts (Legislative Chair); and Lori Dominiczak (Medicaid Chair). The search committee invited specific lobbyists to respond to a request for proposal (RFP). After receiving these proposals, the WPTA interviewed four lobbying firms on October 4, and the WPTA Board of Directors selected MS&A on October 14.
The agreement between WPTA and MS&A began on October 17, 2011, and remains in effect through December 31, 2012. Both organizations have the option to extend the contract beyond 2012.
Annie Early Reinhard states, "Our team is honored to work with the WPTA and its members on issues that impact the physical therapy profession in Wisconsin. Our partnership ensures that the WPTA will continue to have a strong, influential voice in state government." Jeremey Shepherd adds that "The WPTA is an impressive organization, and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship."
WPTA members will have the opportunity to meet Jeremey and Annie at Spring Conference in 2012!
The Wisconsin Physical Therapy Fund as developed in 1969 to help advance the physical therapy profession in Wisconsin. Today this fund awards scholarships to student pursuing careers in physical therapy as well as grants to support programs that advance the practice of physical therapy and benefit the people we serve. The WPTF is a trust of the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Assocation and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Join APTA in promoting sports injury prevention across the lifespan and spread the word about how physical therapy helps people remain active and enjoy the sports they love. Check out the National Physical Therapy Month Public Relations Kit for tips and tools designed to help you promote physical therapists as experts in restoring and improving motion in people's lives.
4th Annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day is September 23, 2011
posted: Aug/20/2011
The 4th annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day is fast approaching on September 23, 2011 and 43 states are participating with national partners, including APTA, in bringing greater awareness to this growing public health issue. We just revised Compendium of State Coalitions on Fall Prevention and it offers PTs an opportunity to see what their states might be doing and a contact for follow up. Finally, there is an interactive web page where you can see what your state may be doing for Fall Prevention Awareness Day
2011 Fall Conference! Waves of Change ~ Oceans of Opportunity at the Kalahari Resort & Conference Center
posted: Jul/21/2011
2011 Fall Conference – Waves of Change ~ Oceans of Opportunity at the Kalahari Resort & Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Three days of programming have been scheduled to meet your professional and personal needs. Complete the registration form below. Save the Date!
On behalf of the eight physical therapy students and the two faculty members who traveled to Uganda, we would like to thank the WPTA for your generous donation. Your donation went towards purchasing various supplies such as:
reflex hammers, tuning forks, stethoscopes, goniometers, laminated anatomy charts, and therabands for the physical therapists working at Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital city Kampala. Additionally, with the help of your donation we were able to provide the funds to install bathroom railings in all of the boys and girls bathrooms in Providence Home (an orphanage with many children with disabilities in a rural town called Nkokonjeru).
I speak for all of us when I say that we truly had an amazing experience in Uganda. Not only did we advance our knowledge and skills in physical therapy, but we were able help those in need an see how grateful they were.
Once again thank you for your donation!
Sincerely,
Ryan Schouweiler, Kristen O'Malley, Kristin Johnson, Jin Zhang, Dallas White, David Lippi-Guerron, Ashton Sczygelski, Janelle Burnham 2nd year SPTs University of Wisconsin - Madison
PTA Caucus and House of Delegates meetings in National Harbor, Maryland June 4-8, 2011
posted: Jun/29/2011
Marie Haskins, PTA, represented the Wisconsin chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at APTA's 2011 PTA Caucus and House of Delegates meetings in National Harbor, Maryland June 4-8, 2011.
The PTA Caucus was welcomed with brief comments from David Emerick, PTA Caucus Chief Delegate, Dr. R. Scott Ward, APTA President, and John Barnes, APTA CEO. Dr. Janet Bezner, APTA Deputy Executive Director provided a leadership training workshop on negotiation and influence.
The 47 PTA Caucus Representatives and five PTA Caucus Delegates attending the meetings divided into small groups to discuss issues and opportunities in communication, education, practice, advocacy, and strategy, areas identified by the 2010 PTA Caucus as requiring further discussion and planning.
The delegate summary of 2010-2011 activities included use of the data collected from the Representatives Survey at the 2010 House of Delegates (House) to update and prioritize PTA Caucus goals and objectives; and to facilitate the development of two new task forces within the PTA Caucus - Communication and Education. The Delegates also reviewed the FSBPT's revised model practice act and monitored payment concerns, especially the situation with Kansas BC/BS; and developed RC 13-11 as a result of this activity.
Motions to the 2011 House were also discussed, including motion content and possible ramifications of passing/failing each motion of concern, especially in regards to those motions of greatest importance to the work and career of the PTA - RC 3-11, RCs 4-11 through 12-11, RC 13-11, and RC 14-11. Additionally, potential actions that could be taken on the floor of the House were described.
During the HOD, extensive discussion was heard relative to RC 3-11 that proposed expanding the current model of service delivery (ie, PT, PTA, PT aide/tech) to include other support personnel with the requisite training to provide physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. This motion passed with a proviso delaying the effective date of the position to July 1, 2012.
Prior to discussion of RC 4-11 the House adopted a motion referring RC 4-11 through 12-11 to the APTA Board of Directors with instruction to conduct a thorough investigation into possible service delivery models and their impact on the profession and patient/client care and called for the review of PTA education with any models of service delivery and the necessary changes in position(s) associated with them to be presented to the 2012 House. RC 13-11 that addressed payment was withdrawn by the PTA Caucus. RC 14-11 that addressed PTA student supervision was passed allowing PTAs to provide clinical supervision to PTA students with general supervision by the physical therapist. A summary of House actions written by APTA's Secretary may be found on the House Community
The following individuals were elected to leadership positions in the PTA Caucus and installed to begin their terms at the close of the 2011 House of Delegates: Carrie Perkins (AZ), delegate; Paul Purdue (WA), delegate; Niki Wallen (MO), alternate delegate; and Christina Wilson (AL), Nominating Committee.
The following individuals were acknowledged for completion of their terms: Carrie Perkins (AZ), delegate; Deb Bornmann (TX), delegate; Luis Williams (CA), alternate delegate; and Brenda Norton (SD), Chair, Nominating Committee.
NCD: Explain Pain - September 24-25, 2011 Weston, Wisconsin
posted: Jun/14/2011
September 24-25, 2011 Weston, Wisconsin
This course is based upon Lorimer Moseley and David Butler’s book ‘Explain Pain’ and infused with the most current information on brain biology and chronic pain adaptations. Robert Johnson will help you understand how the system works when there are injured tissues and nerves. You will also hear about the impact of stress in relation to pain.
The seminar is delivered in a way in which any professional working with patients or clients in pain (PT’s, OT’s, and MD’s) can utilize. Neuroscience can be fun. You’ll be introduced to the newest knowledge about pain “neurotags”, “brain ignition nodes’, zinging and zapping nerves, smudging in the brain and backfiring nerves. You will learn about how the immune, sympathetic and cortisol systems can be critical in pain experiences.
The provision of pain knowledge to patients is an effective evidence based treatment tool. Patients can understand far more than most health professionals realize. The therapeutic tools taught in this course educate patients about how they can use their pain in an effective way, even if it is “in their head”, and graded exposure to stimuli which evoke pain. Also included are virtual exercises – exercise your synapses not just your muscles.
Revised OptumHealth Physical Health Operations
Manual for Participating Providers
posted: Feb/01/2011
OptumHealth Care Solutions, Inc. (OptumHealth) is pleased to
announce that a more user-friendly operations manual is now
available on the OptumHealth Provider Portal. The operations
manual has been updated with tools, graphics and definitions
that make it easier to navigate and find information. You can access
and download a copy of the newly formatted operations manual
by clicking here or by visiting www.myoptumhealthphysicalhealth.
com and clicking on the “Operations Manual” link from the home
page under Resource Library.
DHHS: Update to the Frequency Billing Requirements to include Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, revenue code 0948 to the list of repetitive Part B services.
posted: Jan/01/2011
Update to the Frequency Billing Requirements to include Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, revenue code 0948 to the list of repetitive Part B services.
How quickly your company can get back to business after a terrorist attack or tornado, a fire or flood often depends on emergency planning done today .While the Department of Homeland Security is working hard to prevent terrorist attacks, the lessons of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks demonstrate the importance of being prepared. When you also consider that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990’s compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for all kinds of emergencies.
Wisconsin Third-Party Payers representing nearly 3.5 million covered lives in our state, gathered last week at Evolution Spine, a private practice clinic located in Pewaukee for the 2010 Payer Forum.
Bill Boissonnault provided information on direct access and Evolution Physical Therapists and owner Patrick Ziebell presented "Concepts in Managing Complex Cervical Spine Conditions" and "Technologies in Managing the Spine".
Lynn Steffes, WPTA Reimbursement Specialist hosted the payers and presented on health care reform and “The Role of the PT in the Future” along with traditional messages on coding and documentation.
The payers in attendance rated the Forum as a success and noted the information provided was both interesting and helpful!
PT/PTA Clinical Education: Solutions to the Challenges We Face
posted: Mar/25/2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Course Description:
The WCEC Spring Conference 2010 is designed to be an interactive day identifying solutions to the challenges facing us in PT and PTA Clinical Education.
Efficient and Effective Utilization of the web based Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI).
The purpose of this session is to provide information on efficient navigation through the online CPI and to discuss optimal use of this tool in the assessment of PT students, and in the near future, PTA students. Topics covered will include: considerations for assigning ratings, incorporation of the use of anchor criteria and performance dimensions, providing meaningful written feedback to the DPT student, understanding the various expectations across the internship continuum from the initial to the final clinical placement.
Optimizing Resources in the Ever Changing World of PT Clinical Education
This session includes interactive discussion focusing on identification of methods to increase effective and efficient use of clinical education sites and staff. Optimal skills for today’s CI (“Can I really be an effective CI for today’s DPT Student?”)
Today’s PT may question whether s/he can be an effective CI for a DPT student, given the change in the degree that has occurred over time. This session will identify the many valuable elements that the experienced PT contributes to the clinical experience.
Course Objectives:
Course participants will:
Understand the correct utilization of the web based CPI for assessment of students.
Correctly identify entry level performance on the CPI for specific practice environments.
Understand how to navigate the web based CPI appropriately and efficiently.
Discuss strategies for optimizing resources in PT/PTA clinical education.
Identify characteristics and skills of experienced clinicians that support the learning and mentoring of the DPT student
What: Northeast District sponsored Timber Rattlers Game
When: Saturday, July 17th, 6:35 pm game (fireworks following game)
Who: Northeast District WPTA members
Cost: $5 per ticket in reserved seats. Will also receive $5 of "Snake Bucks" to go toward food and drink. (We have 50 reserved tickets)
Please make out check to NED of WPTA and include your phone number and e-mail. Please respond prior to 7/1/10 and send to:
Nikki Wetts
2429 Spring Meadow Ct.
Neenah, WI 54956
We will sit together as a group, but tickets will be left under your name at will call. Please e-mail nikkiwetts@uwalumni.com with any questions. Looking forward to seeing you there!
