BEYOND THE STRETCH
A THERAPY PARTNERS GROUP NEWSLETTER
Therapy Partners Group, represented by Kim Kollwelter, COO, alongside the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) and other industry leaders, took on Washington D.C. as a unified team April 15 and 16 to advocate for the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618). If passed, the bill would provide seniors who have fallen in the past year an annual fall risk assessment by a physical or occupational therapist at no cost to them. Amidst the deluge of over 10,000 bills presented each year, getting the focus on healthcare and physical therapy is crucial, aiming to propel patient-centric initiatives to the forefront of legislative agendas.
The SAFE Act seeks to enhance access to physical therapy services for patients nationwide, aligning closely with the people-centered ethos that TPG champions. As a company dedicated to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes, TPG recognizes the importance of advocating for policies that prioritize patient well-being.
Kollwelter expressed the significance of the advocacy efforts, stating, "Our mission at TPG aligns seamlessly with the goals of the SAFE Act. By advocating for patient-focused legislation like this, we can ensure that individuals have access to the high-quality physical therapy services they need to thrive."
2 - Washington D C Details JUNE 2024 VOL. 35 WHAT'S INSIDE?
3 - Q&A with Kim Kollwelter
4 - Resource Guide 5 - Clinical Experience 6 - People at TPG
For Physical Therapy
The discussions centered on the impact of the legislation on patient care, highlighting the critical role that physical therapy plays in promoting overall health and well-being
During the meetings on Capitol Hill, Kim Kollwelter, fellow executives, and representatives from APTQI engaged with various stakeholders and policymakers to raise awareness about the importance of the SAFE Act.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury emphasized the importance of connecting with policymakers on a personal level, stating, "When you are meeting with people, educate their minds, but touch their hearts " This sentiment underscores the collaborative efforts of TPG, APTQI, and other advocates to foster meaningful dialogue and drive positive change in healthcare policy.
Lobbyists, Leaders, and Politicians
As the advocacy efforts continue, TPG remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance the physical therapy profession and improve patient access to care By actively participating in advocacy efforts like those surrounding the SAFE Act, TPG reaffirms its dedication to making a difference in the lives of patients and communities nationwide.
United
Q&A
WITH KIM KOLLWELTER
Q: WHY IS THIS AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE?
A: NOT ONLY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO OUR PROFESSION, IT’S TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT TO OUR PATIENTS. THIS WAS AN UNPARALLELED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED. I GOT A CRASH COURSE IN LOBBYING AND EVERYONE WE MET WITH GAINED KNOWLEDGE ON PHYSICAL THERAPY.
Q: WHO DID YOU MEET WITH?
A: IT WAS A WHIRLWIND 48 HOURS! OUR GROUP DIVIDED AND CONQURED TO SCHEDULE AS MANY MEETINGS AS POSSIBLE. WE WERE ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND TALK WITH AARP, FAMILIES USA, GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA (GSA), THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND STAFF AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPACTFUL TAKEAWAY?
A: THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK! IN THESE SITUATIONS, YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO PRESENT SO IT’S CRITICAL TO GAIN INTEREST RIGHT AWAY. WE WERE ASKED TO COME BACK WITH FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION AND SUPPORTING DATA, SO THAT’S A WIN.
resource guide
Therapy Partners Group is a family of physical therapy and wellness brands that helps practice owners and therapy professionals grow through collaboration, teamwork, and exceptional clinical support.
SCCE Region: Tucson/Phoenix, AZ
Bodycentral Physical Therapy
Rachael Nevsimal rnevsimal@tpgpt com
SCCE Region: Central CA
Golden Bear PT, El Dorado Hills, Barrows PT
Tyler Goslinga tgoslinga@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: Bay Area, CA
Body in Balance, Silver Creek, OPTM, Sport & Spine, Napa Valley PT
Ben Turner
bturner@tpgpt com
Victor Han vhan@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: DFW Area, TX
Greater Therapy Centers, realPerformance
Julie Hughes julie hughes@tpgpt com
SCCE Region: Ventura County, CA
Two Trees Physical Therapy
Sarah Dempsey sdempsey@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: Bakersfield, CA
Pair & Marotta
Ryan Kirschenmann rkirschenmann@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: OC/LA, CA
ProSport, SCAR, Larchmont PT, Paulseth & Associates
Sam Baumler, sbaumler@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: Las Vegas, NV
Smith Therapy Partners
Ed Dolegowski edolegowski@tpgpt com
SCCE Region: Southern UT & NV
Fit PT
Ryan Erickson rerickson@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: Washington
Inspire PT, Seattle Hill, Performance PT
Ryan McElgunn rmcelgunn@tpgpt.com
SCCE Region: Salem, OR Northwest Rehabilitation Associates
Kate Menke kmenke@tpgpt com
university edition
All TPG Brand Regions
Sports
Orange County, CA
Fresno, CA
Ripon, CA
Salem, OR
Tucson, AZ
Pelvic Health
Tucson,AZ
St.George,UT
Spokane,WA(Jan2025)
Ventura,CA(Jan2025)
Modesto,CA(Jan2025)
Lodi,CA(Jan2025)
Orthopedics
, Tucson, AZ Chronic Pain
UT
St. George,
PT Specialty Clinical Experience
Ventura, CA
@pelvichealthdpt @tyler sports.med J O I N T H E T E A M Jasmine Green PT, DPT University of Arizona D1 Sports Fellow and Sports Residency Trained Tyler Goslinga PT, DPT, USAW, ERA Clinic Director, Golden Bear Physical Therapy Orion Tomada PT, DPT Clinic Director, El Dorado Physical Therapy Miniga Edgar PT, DPT Pelvic Health Therapist & Yoga Teacher @just jassssy @orion.dpt