Page 37 - OPTA Access Spring 2019

Practice Chair Report Alan Frame, PT, DPT, OCS – Chair
The APTA continues to focus on maximizing patient outcomes and providing best practice throughout the physical therapy setting . While meeting with other section Practice Chairs, it is evident that the need for PT to have a strong voice against the opioid epidemic is strong . The US Department of Health and
Human Services recently drafted the “Report on Pain Management Best Practices,” in which the category of restorative therapies is one of the
five major interdisciplinary treatment modalities. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic exercise and other movement modalities . The report notes the need for a comprehensive assessment of movement and also points out that these therapies are often challenging due to incomplete or inconsistent reimbursement policies . This will hopefully be a very powerful document that PT providers can use to ensure that they are appropriately being reimbursed in the future .
Also of note is that Anthem will be changing to a new utilization management vendor in five states beginning in March . This will not impact Ohio
as of now, but the expectation is that this could spread to all the Anthem BCBS coverage areas in the future . In Ohio, we are aware of OrthoNet and some of the challenges presented to clinicians with increased paperwork and front-end time
that is required of forms and patient scheduling; this may hopefully provide a positive change of PT providers dealing with Anthem .
Lastly, another topic of conversation that I found interesting was the release of the MyMobility Plan from the CDC . APTA members and staff provided feedback
on this tool and it may be of interest to those working with older adults . This tool encourages older adults
to prepare for potential mobility changes in much the same way they may plan financially for retirement. MyMobility Plan provides resources and tips for older adults to help manage their health to maintain mobility, make their homes safer to prevent falls, and consider alternative transportation as they age so they can stay safe, mobile, and independent longer . This could be another method to assist your patients and clients as you educate them on the importance of staying active and the value of physical therapy in their healthcare .
For more information, contact Alan at:
alanjframe@gmail.com
Early Professional SIG Report Drew Snyder, PT, DPT - Chair
Since our introductory meeting in August 2018, the Early Professionals SIG (“EPSIG”) has come a long way (including a name change from the “New Professionals” to the “Early Professionals .”) After taking inventory of the interests and needs of our members, the EPSIG identified three “pillars” of focus for the SIG, including: Leadership, Mentorship, and Membership . These pillars (with descriptions available at www .ohiopt .org/EarlyProfSIG) provide a framework for ways that the SIG can serve our members .
To help make the EPSIG’s vision a reality, the SIG also elected a new leadership group . Douglas
Eck (Leadership Pillar), Jessica Petitti (Mentorship Pillar), and Amaro Calo (Membership Pillar) were chosen as the inaugural “Pillar Leaders” for the EPSIG . Additionally, Colton Rhinebolt (Northwest District) and Nick Eberhardt (Northeast District) were chosen to be “District Representatives” for their respective districts . We are in the process of filling the openings for District Representatives to the remaining OPTA districts .
The EPSIG is open to all PTs and PTAs within their first five years following graduation. The EPSIG’s purpose
is to provide a forum for communication among Early Professional PTs and PTAs in Ohio . If you’re an early professional in Ohio, we hope you’ll join us .
For more information, contact Drew at:
drewsnyder9@gmail.com
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