NYPTA Newsletter Sept/Oct 2020

September/October, 2020 Volume M, NO. 34

Empire State

Physical Therapy The O f f i ci al Ne wsl etter o f the N ew Yo r k Phys ic a l Th era py As s o c iatio n, I nc.

IN THIS ISSUE Impact of COVID on Physical Therapy Practice & Payment Cover Story (page 1,3)

Adjusting to the "New Normal" President's Letter (page 2,4)

In Memoriam: Dr. Melanie A. Gillar (page 5)

Member Spotlight: Roger Herr PT, MPA (page 6-7)

NYPTA SSIG 2020-2021 Executive Board (page 10)

COVID-19 & the Evolution of On-site Telehealth PT Service (page 11-12)

Touro College PT Students Honored (page 13)

Nominating Committee Article & Forms (page 14-17)

NYPTA Members Meet with Members of Congress Virtually (page 18)

Impact of COVID on Physical Therapy Practice & Payment

By Marcia Spoto, PT, DPT Chair, Public Policy Committee

The COVID pandemic has altered life for all Americans in one way or another. For physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, COVID has had an impact not only on our private lives, but to varying degrees, it has changed our practice.

The APTA conducted surveys in both the early phase of the pandemic and again in July of this year, and the results tell a story. As anticipated, PTs saw significantly fewer patients, especially in the spring and across almost all settings. There was a decline in both direct access patients and those referred by physicians. Work hours also declined; in July, 36% of PTs overall reported that their hours were less than before the pandemic. Employment and incomes were down with 40% of PTs and 46% of PTAs reporting reduced weekly incomes. The areas of practice seeing the greatest income losses include home health, skilled nursing, and private practice. For private practice owners, 75% applied for small business loans, the most common being the Payment Protection Program (PPP). The CARES act general distribution fund provided additional support for many providers.

When NY data is viewed separately, as would be expected, the impact of COVID on practice was greater compared to the rest of the country, with work hours declining for 86% of those practicing in home health, continued on page 3

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September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 1

Volume M, No.34 September/October, 2020

Adjusting to the "New Normal"

P II RR EE EE M M P H YS SI ICC AA LL P PH Y

President’s letter

S TS AT TAET E

T TH HE RE AR PAY P Y

Volume XXXIX, No.(8), November/December, 2005

In the past six months since COVID-19 was declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization, many aspects of both our personal and professional lives have changed. Many references have been made in both mainstream media and on social media platforms to the “new normal” we are all experiencing.

The physical therapy profession is also adjusting to this new normal even as conditions continue to change during the reopening phase of the pandemic.

APTA recently released an updated report (https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/ news-publications/2020/impact-of-covid-19-on-the-physical-therapy-profession) on the impact of COVID-19 on the physical therapy profession. A basic message of this report, based on a July membership survey, is that our profession is adapting to the new normal, but challenges persist. Some highlights from this report include positive trends in PT/PTA employment and income, as well as increases in physician referrals and direct access PT visits, even though prepandemic levels in these areas have not yet been achieved.

The provision of PT services via telehealth has significantly increased but in person care remains more “Career pride among PTs/PTAs has increased or common and preferred overall. remained unchanged in response to One positive outcome from the pandemic” this survey is that career pride Peggy among PTs/PTAs has increased or remain unchanged in Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT response to the pandemic. In addition, more PTs/PTAs have accessed APTA, Section and Chapter resources during the months of the pandemic, demonstrating that APTA is a trusted source of information for the profession.

The NYPTA has also had to adjust to the new normal. One of the hardest aspects of managing Chapter business during this new normal is that decisions need to be made based more on best guesses or estimates than in the past. Data on past performance and trends cannot be relied on to predict future outcomes due to uncertainty about how long COVID-related factors will affect our lives. The NY Chapter has experienced a significant decrease in monthly dues income since March. Whether this deficit is only a temporary decrease in dues income related to more members choosing to delay renewing their membership under APTA’s extended 90-day grace period, or an actual loss of members, will not be known until the end of this year. Decisions about Chapter activities can no longer be based mainly on Chapter financial and human resources, and Chapter goals, but now need to take into account external factors over which we have no control.

For instance, NYS social distancing rules played a deciding factor in the Chapter Board of Directors’ (BOD) recent decision to cancel in person meetings and conferences for 2021.

Under New York State's reopening plan, current social distancing rules would not have allowed the Chapter to hold the Spring BOD meeting and Delegate Assembly (DA) in the same way as had been planned. As one example, in the hotel with which we had a contract for these meetings, the conference room that had been reserved for 120 people for the DA would only be able to hold 48 people based on the social distancing rules. Since we have no way of knowing continued on page 4 2 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

Publisher

New York Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110 Phone: 518.459.4499 • Toll-Free: 800.459.4489 Fax: 518.459.8953 www.nypta.org

Editor / Designer

Gloria Baker Empire State Physical Therapy is published 6 times yearly, with combined January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October and November/December issues. Its purpose is to provide physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapist/physical therapist assistant students with accurate and timely information relevant to the practice of physical therapy. The editor reserves the right to edit all communications.

Anonymous letters will not be published. Views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the formal position of NYPTA unless expressly stated.

Editorial Board

Catherine Talbett, PT, DPT Alanna Pokorski, PT, DPT

Advertisements

All adver tisements in Empire State Physical Therapy must comply with the ethical standards of the APTA. Acceptance of advertisements in this publication does not imply endorsement.

Submission of Material for Publication

Submissions should be sent via email to Gloria Baker, Editor, at gbaker@nypta.org. Submissions are subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

Subscriptions

NYPTA members automatically receive this publication.

Nonmember subscriptions are $100 (US) or $150 (non-US) annually.

This price includes sales tax, shipping and handling.

Deadlines

Editorial and advertising deadlines are the first business day of the month prior to the month of publication.

Chapter Officers

Chapter Directors

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Speaker Chief Delegate

Brooklyn/Staten Island Catskill Central Eastern Finger Lakes Greater New York Hudson Valley Long Island Southern Tier Western

Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT Michael Tisbe, PT, DPT Keri Gill-Smith, PT, DPT Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS Genevieve Smith, PT, DPT Roger Herr, PT, MPA

Hammouda Soliman, PT, DPT Yvonne Egitto, PT, DPT Adam Rufa, PT, DPT Audrey Paslow, PT, DPT Michael Huson, PT, DPT Kaitlyn Parrotte, PT, DPT Nannette Hyland, PT, PhD Keith Perrucci, PT, Sarah Fishel, PT, DPT Julie Wolfley, PT, DPT, OCS

Chapter Office Staff

Executive Director Kelly Garceau

kgarceau@nypta.org Communications Manager Gloria Baker

gbaker@nypta.org

Membership Coordinator Adilah Abdul-Matin

aabdulmatin@nypta.org

Events/CE Coordinator Erin Stack

estack@nypta.org

Copyright 2020 by the New York Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to Gloria Baker at NYPTA, 971 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

www.nypta.org

Impact of COVID on Physical Therapy Practice & Payment

By Marcia Spoto, PT, DPT Chair, Public Policy Committee

and 71% in private practice. Reduced weekly incomes were down for 52% of PTs and 43% of PTAs. You can find a full report of survey results here (aggregate data): https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/news-publications/2020/impact-of-covid-19-on-the-physical-therapyprofession Although employment and income indirectly impact payment for PT services, the dominant direct paymentrelated issue for physical therapists since the onset of COVID-19 has been telehealth. The governmental mandates for social (physical) distancing created a need for alternative care delivery models. Telehealth filled this need for many physical therapists and their patients during the pandemic. Although prior to COVID-19 payment for physical therapy telehealth services was limited, payers began removing restrictions soon after social distancing policies went into effect. The majority of commercial payers, including all major national insurance companies, revised their policies to allow for coverage of telehealth. Many have waived co-payments for telehealth services as well. This was a rapidly evolving situation, and APTA has maintained up-to-date information on commercial telehealth or e-visit provisions. https://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/Practice_and_Patient_Care/Patient_Care/Technology/Telehealth/ Coding_and_Billing/TelehealthEvisitsCOVID19CommercialPayer.pdf Medicare coverage for telehealth evolved over a period of time, starting with the declaration of the national emergency on March 13 which allowed HHS to authorize CMS to loosen restrictions on health service delivery.

Initially, physical therapists were limited to providing telehealth only to existing patients and were restricted to billing time-based, G codes. In late April, these restrictions were removed and PTs practicing in outpatient settings were allowed to bill all relevant CPT codes and conduct new patient evaluations. In late May, PTs practicing in institutional settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, critical-access hospitals, comprehensive outpatient rehab facilities, rehabilitation agencies, and home health agencies, were also permitted to provide telehealth. APTA strongly advocated for these changes in coverage for telehealth and worked closely with CMS during this period of time.

Now that social distancing policies are easing in many states, in-office care is on the rise, which is the preferred delivery mode for PT services. However, many PTs have found telehealth to be a viable option for patient care, and retaining coverage for telehealth services will be important for the profession moving forward. APTA plans to continue advocacy efforts for telehealth services beyond the emergency period, and has posted dedicated resources for state chapters: http://www.apta.org/Telehealth/LegislationRegulation The APTA has regularly updated information on coding and billing for telehealth services, which can be found here: click here Of course, the most immediate payment challenge for PTs and many other healthcare providers is the estimated 9% reduction in payment beginning January 1, 2021, contained in the CMS proposed physician fee schedule.

You have undoubtedly seen the calls to action, but just in case, you can join the effort here: https://www.apta.org/advocacy/take-action/patient-action-center?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f77079%2fRespond NYPTA will continue to monitor the payment landscape and bring you updates as they occur.

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 3

Adjusting to the "New Normal" if these social distancing rules will be relaxed or lifted by May 2021, the Board voted to cancel the hotel contract now to avoid significant financial penalties if we had to cancel closer to the meeting date. The Board made a similar decision to cancel the in person Fall BOD meeting and Chapter conference that had been planned for October 2021. Other external factors that the Board considered in making these decisions included individuals’ ability and willingness to travel to in person meetings and conferences in 2021.

Many employers have cancelled all employee travel, COVID- related quarantine rules could change if there is a surge in COVID cases during any part of 2021, and PTs/PTAs may not have the funds to spend on nonessential costs such as travel to in person conferences.

As part of our “new normal”, the 2021 Chapter Board meetings and DA are being planned as virtual Zoom meetings since our Spring BOD meeting, 2020 DA and special summer BOD meetings were all held successfully in this format. The Chapter Program Committee is investigating holding a virtual Chapter conference in October 2021 in addition to continuing the monthly continuing education webinars that began this past July. Other Chapter adaptations to the COVID “normal” include most of our staff continuing to work virtually to maintain staff safety, District meetings being held virtually, and a possible virtual 2021 Lobby Day if in person legislator visits are not feasible by next year.

The Chapter leadership is committed to continuing to provide member services to the best of our ability despite the challenges resulting from this COVID pandemic. I am interested in hearing your ideas on what the Chapter can do differently to meet your changing needs in this “new normal”. Member comments are always welcome.

Stay safe and healthy as reopening continues across New York State.

Best Regards, Peggy

4 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

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In Memoriam: Dr. Melanie A. Gillar

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague Dr. Melanie A. Gillar. Melanie's commitment to the profession of physical therapy was evident by her many years of service to all levels of the Association. Melanie held three different elected positions within the New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA): Secretary (1995 - 1999), Chief Delegate (1999 - 2003) and Nominating Committee member (2003 - 2006, Chair 2005 - 2006). She served as a NY Chapter delegate to APTA's House of Delegates for over 25 years. Melanie also served on the Chapter Editorial Board (2006 - 2017), and as Practice Committee chairperson (2010 - 2013) in addition to being a member of multiple task forces.

As a longtime member of the Greater New York (GNY) District, Melanie fulfilled multiple roles including District Chairperson, Vice - Chairperson, Treasurer, Member-at-Large, and District Nominating Committee Chairperson. She also served as a GNY District delegate to the Chapter Delegate Assembly for over 28 years. Melanie's dedication to the NYPTA was recognized with the Outstanding Service to District award in 1994, 2003 and 2010, the Outstanding Service to Chapter award in 1999 and 2003, and the NYPTA Lifetime Service award in 2013.

Melanie was also involved in national APTA service. She was elected to the APTA Nominating Committee in 2005, serving as its Chair from 2007 to 2008. In addition, Melanie served on APTA’s Finance and Audit committee (2011-2015) and on the Advisory Panel on Practice (1999-2002, Chair 2001-2002). Melanie was a 2009 recipient of APTA’s Lucy Blair Service award.

Melanie began her physical therapy journey at the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 1975. She went on to earn a Master of Art in Applied Physiology from Columbia University in 1984 and then a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2004.

Melanie spent 26 years working at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center (originally The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center), eventually being promoted to Physical Therapy Manager.

She founded Gillar Physical Therapy in 2003, a sole practitioner home health practice. Throughout her career, Melanie was known for her passion for the profession and her commitment to her patients and colleagues.

Melanie’s wisdom and mentorship will be greatly missed. At the request of her family, donations in honor of Melanie’s memory can be made to the Marilyn Moffat Fund for Geriatric Research.

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 5

Member Spotlight: Roger Herr, PT, MPA Vice President, VNSNY Home Care

How Long have you been a member of NYPTA? 19 years total NYPTA, but 5 years 2014-2019, when I returned to NY from a decade on the west coast. I was a member of NYPTA 14 years prior to moving to the west coast.

What do you enjoy most about NYPTA? What value does NYPTA add to your professional career?

Resources and diversity of members: past presidents, new members, students from many programs and a network across the state of NY. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are in your career today.

I moved to NY to practice in a larger medical center (NYU) and pursue post graduate study. I completed my master’s in public administration (MPA) at NYU as I saw opportunity as a manager and influencing health care systems where we practice.

What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?

After my initial years at NYU, I worked in a skilled nursing facility, Home Health and Hospice. In my career I worked for University medical center, for profit, not for profit and publicly traded organizations.

Each organization has its drivers. While on the west coast I worked for a national data/benchmarking organization for SNF, Home Health and hospice which opened my eyes to data, public reporting and quality.

I learned the value of Physical Therapist in leadership, influencing quality and interdisciplinary approach to managing care. On my return to NY in 2014, I was hired because of my Physical Therapist foundation in functional health and managing populations with other disciplines. This has been both the biggest reward and challenge in working with others who approach care differently. One of my mentors taught me the value of “and” over the use of “but” “or” as AND can bring our differences together. A second learning is with tightening of health care resources, and everyone thinks they have the answer to health care if everyone else would change. I think we all need to work on this together and compromise when and where it is beneficial to patients and those we serve. My last challenge is demonstrating the value of Physical Therapists in managing patient populations in addition to the historical role of providing 1:1 intervention. We can manage, guide and oversee care for individuals beyond the direct care, which I see therapists now moving into these roles.

How has your work day changed as the result of COVID-19?

Learning the latest guidelines on using PPE and now when we can stop using some forms of PPE when patients are no longer at risk. Realizing PPE is part of our ongoing practice and wearing a mask during influenza season may be more normal in the United States in future years.

6 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

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Member Spotlight: Roger Herr, PT, MPA Vice President, VNSNY Home Care (Continued)

Who inspires you the most and why?

My parents, both Cornell graduates who practiced as Veterinarians, owning and managing their own practice, and active in their professional association and People who bring different perspectives, as I learn through their views, ideas and approaches. They can be new members, students, and seasoned professionals.

What’s the most important thing you want to say to your fellow PTs during this Pandemic?

Be safe, find ways to serve your community both in the short-term and long-term needs of COVID and the world of infectious diseases. Keeping people healthy is our opportunity both in returning to function, maintaining health wellness and prevention. I was educated in a time where we learned one-on-one care to address impairments and the future of PT will also include keeping people healthy as we age, work, and live in our communities.

What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?

Ask where you can help, learn or serve, as we can all grow from both positive and negative experiences as they are all teachable moments. Ask to learn, we have a rich membership and experience. Many of us are happy to share it or connect you to those who may help.

What advice would you offer to people who need PT services during COVID-19?

These times are challenging with issues related to patient and clinician access fiscal concerns (personal, organizational and State/national budgets), and concerns on PPE/safety. Ask questions of the providers/people networks you know, seek credible resources in organizations (APTA/NYPTA) as persistence may be needed when challenges arise during these changing times.

How are you personally dealing with your “new normal” in light of COVID-19?

Social media to keep up with friends. Web calls to connect with family and friends for holidays and celebrations. Personal health through yoga, walking, biking and outdoors when I can. I hope to return to swimming soon with pool opening or beach open water swim. My new addition is a walking treadmill under my standing desk, it has changed my world. (A geriatric researcher recommended it to me a decade ago, but a pandemic caused me to commit).

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 7

STRENGTH: The Field Manual Nutrition that gives you strength to be your best self UNDERSTANDING STRENGTH By defining the variables of strength, we identify the tools we can use in the journey to become the strongest, best versions of ourselves.

WHAT IS STRENGTH? The drive to be stronger is innate. And though strength can refer to our musculature, it’s not limited to physical pursuits. Strength is anything that gives us the ability to live our lives to the fullest. Our quest for strength is very personal and is defined by each of us according to our desires and where we are in life’s journey. No matter your personal definition, Strength: The Field Manual will serve as your field guide — a practical handbook to living a vibrant and fulfilling life, grounded in one of our greatest sources for strength: food.

A functional definition of how you achieve and embody strength is:

Author, Dr. Mike Rousell, PhD Dr. Mike Roussell, PhD, is on the forefront of nutrition research, having been featured in top fitness and health publications such as Men’s Health and Muscle & Fitness. Dr. Roussell’s academic background and broad range of experience consulting with food companies, medical schools, top-rated fitness facilities, professional athletes and individual clients, give him the unique ability to translate scientific findings into relevant, understandable, and actionable strategies that get results.

From the Author I wrote Strength: The Field Manual to give you the information and tools you need to develop strength in your life. I call it a field manual because it walks you through a combination of why and how to take action with your nutrition and fitness to build strength. This manual is designed to both inspire and guide you as you build strength in all areas of your life.

Strength = Balanced Diet + Physical Activity + Good Health FUELING STRENGTH Studies show that regular physical activity combined with a consistent, balanced diet with protein-rich meals helps: Strengthen your mind as well as your muscles, improving your mental health1 Build and maintain muscle, a key marker of health and longevity2 Support heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels3,4 Maintain a healthy weight, taking stress off your joints and lessening the likeliness of pain5 These are just a few examples of how a balanced diet, regular physical activity and good health intersect to create greater strength.

This field manual puts the emphasis on good nutrition and a balanced diet providing guidance and meal prep strategies to build healthier meals. High-quality protein and other nutrient-rich foods are an essential component for strength.

Learn the science behind the four cornerstones of a balanced diet.

You’ll find practical ways you can implement an eating style that helps you be your strongest and best self.

8 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

www.nypta.org

STRENGTH IN ACTION Strength is derived through the process of making positive changes. Small, daily, consistent actions are needed to keep moving toward bigger goals. Discover how you achieve strength through daily actions that move you closer to your goal, regardless of your starting point.

MEET LANCE PEKUS Lance Pekus gives us a clear example of how to build strength in our lives. He is a husband, father, cattle rancher and Cowboy Ninja. As if working hard on his Idaho cattle ranch all day isn’t enough, he also makes time for the agility, strength and obstacle drills for his ninja training.

Like all of us, though, his life is busy, and he needs to prioritize and get creative with his time and his training to fit it all in. Strength: The Field Manual can give you the tools to help you build the strength you need to thrive both mentally and physically.

FOUR CORNERSTONES O F E AT I N G TO S U P P O RT

STRENGTH

The Four Cornerstones of Strength are tried-and-true guidelines grounded in decades of science. The strength of these nutritional cornerstones comes through consistent application, day after day.

Strength is a journey, not a destination. Strength: The Field Manual is a go-to action plan for building strength through good nutrition, physical activity, recovery, and rest. Let it walk you through the why and how to take action with your nutrition and fitness to develop the strength to be your best.

STRENGTH THE FIELD MANUAL Nutrition that gives you strength to be your best self

Michael Roussell, PhD with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff

Find Strength: The Field Manual and other tools to help you build strength at https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/ nutrition/strength

1. Matta Mello Portugal E, Cevada T, Sobral Monteiro-Junior R, et al. Neuroscience of exercise: from neurobiology mechanisms to mental health. Neuropsychobiology. 2013;68(1):1-14.

2. Srikanthan P, Karlamangla AS. Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults. Am J Med. 2014;127(6):547-553.

3. Roussell MA, Hill AM, Gaugler TL, et al. Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet study: eff ects on lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins.

Amer J Clin Nutr. 2012;95(1):9-13.

4. Lavie CJ, Arena R, Swift DL, et al. Exercise and the cardiovascular system: clinical science and cardiovascular outcomes. Circ Res. 2015;117(2):207-219.

5. Deere KC, Clinch J, Holliday K, et al. Obesity is a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain in adolescents: findings from a populationbased cohort. Pain. 2012;153(9):1932-1938. www.nypta.org

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September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 9

NYPTA SSIG 2020-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS

Congratulations!

President

Vice President

JUSTINA SNYDER

MATTHEW NORRIS

Secretary

Treasurer

ALISON AKERLEY

JULIA MULLER

Social Media Chair

Advocacy Chair

ANGELENE DIMAANO

ASHANTI LYKING

PTA Relations Chair: Vacant - Required to be a PTA Student (Not DPT) If interested, email: nyptassig1@gmail.com

10 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

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COVID-19 and the Evolution of On-site to Telehealth Physical Therapy Service By: Jia Lu, SPT Dominican College

Global lockdowns and COVID-19 affected every healthcare worker to a varying degree across the globe. The lockdown mandates in the U.S. shifted outpatient physical therapy care from an in-person, hands-on interaction to a telehealth format. With a government shutdown goal to minimize the spread of the disease, eliminating personal contact with others was advised, regulated and restricted. Outpatient providers of Physical Therapy around the country had to quickly adapt to the new requirements and learn how to effectively treat patients remotely via web services, essentially through a computer screen.

As a soon to be graduating physical therapy student, I was fortunate enough to witness this evolution of on-site to telehealth service firsthand. I was offered the opportunity to complete a previous clinical affiliation where I provided hands on care to patients, to now experience the telehealth format. At first I was reluctant due to perceived and actual drawbacks to treating patients through telehealth, however I discovered many benefits as well.

Most telehealth session duration lasted 30-45 minutes and we would schedule several patients in a day with little if any breaks between them. The sessions were always one on one with the patient and encouraged both the patient and therapist to more effectively focus on primary goals and issues for each session. There seemed to be much fewer distractions than when I encountered similar conditions and patients in the office. Another benefit to telehealth was the freedom patients and therapist had to attend sessions wherever there was an internet connection. Patients could find an environment they felt was most conducive to healing, or fit into the work and home responsibilities and the therapist eliminated travel time or other related barriers. When patients had last minute scheduling changes, they found time to connect with the therapist. For example, during one scheduled telehealth appointment, a patient session was completed while the therapist was in their car (parked) using Zoom while on their phone. It was productive and was completed without any hiccups.

Unfortunately, there were obvious aspects of the telehealth components that could not be performed effectively.

Not all patients were tech-savvy, more commonly in the elder population, and there was time spent on poor connection issues, adjusting camera angles and fixing audio problems. Performing an evaluation is limited since many common evaluative tools cannot be efficaciously assessed such as; hypertonicity of muscles, joint measurements and fine joint movement quality to name a few. The biggest limitation was the lack of hands on techniques use that is common to an outpatient treatment setting. Most of the sessions involved therapist directing patients through therapeutic exercises and various healing movements. The therapist had to be creative in using supplemental equipment readily available to the patient and not rely on the traditional equipment found in the clinic.

At the time of this writing, clinics and therapists are slowly resuming pre lockdown business hours and have adapted a hybrid working format incorporating telehealth with traditional on-site and face-to-face therapy.

Therapists interested in gaining more information on utilizing telehealth may consider a few key points. Be prepared to reimagine a new plan of care format than what you are accustomed to in the clinic setting. As patients experience rapid changes in their condition, be open to modifying the flow of the session without extra resources.

Prepare a back-up plan and have a plan for progression or regression of activities for every session to ensure the patient is still able to benefit from the session with minimal loss of down time. Another helpful piece of advice is to get comfortable with using household and environmental items such as staircases for steps or soup cans for weights. The session can be as fun and creative as your own imagination allows.

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September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 11

COVID-19 and the Evolution of On-site to Telehealth Physical Therapy Service (Continued)

By: Jia Lu, SPT, Dominican College

The lockdown has affected everyone greatly and in varying degrees both physically and psychologically.

I noticed that for some patients, this resulted in a decrease of physical activity and for many a lack of social interaction. Students not permitted to attend class are also restricted from organized team sports, group activities or access to gyms. The athletic population treated in the outpatient clinic would normally follow a regular training regimen. Many of them lost the motivation to train due to cancellation of school competitions. One patient in particular was a competitive gymnast being treated for an ankle injury at the clinic prior to the pandemic. Due to the shutdown the patient was unable to continue training properly and when they recently attended a meet, suffered a reoccurrence of their old injury. The lack of proper and gradual retraining required for her high level of performance put her at greater risk of injury.

In conclusion, telehealth is a good supplement to traditional on-site physical therapy sessions, when applied correctly. If patients are currently traveling or feel sick and physically unable to make it into the office, this is a great opportunity to implement a telehealth visit. Another great use is for clarification of a previous visit, when patients need brief direction on adjusting an exercise prescription or postural correction. There is value in what physical therapists can offer patients through telehealth but it most definitely cannot replace the hands-on experience. While it is difficult to perform every aspect of an evaluation and impossible to touch your patient through a computer screen, telehealth is a viable modality that appears to be here to stay.

Golden Goniometer/PT Global Day of Service PT Global Day of Service is a great way to make a difference in the lives of patients and clients in and outside of the clinic. It’s what physical therapy is all about.

Join your fellow NYPTA PTs, PTAs and students, from across the state and world on Saturday, October 10, 2020, or throughout October (APTA’s National Physical Therapy Month) to participate in a day of service that gives back to the community.

Your event or activity can be submitted for the Golden Goniometer Award. This award is given to an individual or district who creates and/or participates in activities that raises awareness of our profession (see award criteria).

If you are submitting your event/activity for consideration for the Golden Goniometer Award, please include: • Name of the Event/Activity • Date/Location of Event/Activity • Why was the Event/Activity Selected?

• Photos (if available) All information should be emailed to Kelly Garceau at: kgarceau@nypta.org. Submission deadline is Monday, November 30, 2020 by 5PM.

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Touro College Physical Therapy Students are Honored By: Jamie Barretto Communications Specialist Touro College & University System

Six students representing four programs within the Touro College School of Health Sciences were honored with Maimonides Awards during the annual commencement ceremony held virtually on September 10th. These exceptional students, selected from over 300 candidates in programs ranging from physical and occupational therapy to nursing and speech and language pathology, were recognized for demonstrating a high level of professional ideals as practitioners of the health sciences. Two of the six students are recent graduates of the physical therapy program.

Oceanside, New York resident Lewis Lupowitz, a recent graduate representing the physical therapy program and Maimonides award winner said, “My dream career has always been to work with high level athletes at the professional level. While I’ll always strive to deliver the best patient care, I ultimately want to be known as a resource for other clinicians, serving as someone they can look to for guidance and education. Touro has helped me tremendously along my educational journey, enabling me to feel comfortable in my own skin, helping me to become a confident leader, and challenging me to never accept anything but the highest standard of achievement. After graduation, I’ll be returning to Champion Sports Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, and will be enrolled in a six-month fellowship, where I’ll be working with the American Sports Medicine Institute at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center.”

Hauppauge, New York resident Michael Cohen, the second award winner from the physical therapy program, always dreamt of working closely with professional athletes.

He credits Touro for helping him to discover a deep passion for providing acute care to patients in a hospital setting. He hopes to work in this environment as he embarks on his career in the health sciences.

“I completed several acute care rotations in different hospitals and immediately saw the significant impact a physical therapist can have in this setting. It was because of these invaluable experiences that I realized how much I enjoyed making a difference in the lives of patients. Due to the pandemic, medical professionals are needed now more than ever and to have the opportunity to help in the greatest time of need couldn’t be more rewarding. I’m forever grateful to Touro for fostering a sense of community among its students, staff and faculty; placing an emphasis on building strong interpersonal skills in addition to training us to perfect our clinical skills; and enabling us to learn from top specialists within the classroom and in the field,” Cohen said.

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 13

NYPTA is Looking for Chapter Leadership Dear Colleagues, The Nominating Committee is pleased to present to you the following open NYPTA leadership positions. The following slated candidates will be voted upon at the 2021 NYPTA Delegate Assembly: • • • • •

Chief Delegate Treasurer Secretary Nominating Committee Member PTA Caucus Rep

The NYPTA is committed to its mission, to empower and support its members through advocacy, education and research. If you are interested in becoming a part of this mission through a leadership role in the NYPTA, please consider running for one or more of these open positions!

If the time is not currently right for you to serve, please consider nominating one of your colleagues. Your encouragement and nomination could be the catalyst to bring a talented leader forward to serve in one of these open positions.

To nominate yourself, or someone else, for Chief Delegate, Treasurer, Secretary or Nominating Committee Member, please simply complete this online nomination form: https://www.nypta.org/page/20212023Nomination Please note the deadline for nomination submission to NYPTA office is November 16, 2020, by 5pm.

• You can find information about the time commitment for each of these positions following this link: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nypta.org/resource/resmgr/imported/time_commitment2011.pdf • For job descriptions, please click on this link: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nypta.org/resource/resmgr/imported/Job_desc2011.pdf In addition to the above open NYTPA leadership positions, nominations for the APTA 2022 House of Delegates and PTA Caucus Representative are also being accepted. You may access the following forms here: 2022 HOD nomination form: https://www.nypta.org/page/2022HOD Please note the submission deadline to the NYPTA office is December 15, 2020, by 5pm.

2021-2023 PTA Caucus Representative form: https://www.nypta.org/page/20212023PTACaucus Please note the submission deadline to the NYPTA office is December 15, 2020, by 5pm.

The NYPTA Nominating Committee is committed to bringing a strong slate of candidates for these open positions. If you have any questions regarding the open positions, the nomination or election process, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you!

Sincerely, Vicki Wilkins, NYPTA Nominating Committee Chair, vlwpt@aol.com Nanette Hyland, NYPTA Nominating Committee Member, nhyland@mercy.edu Clarence Chan, NYPTA Nominating Committee Member, cchan@lagcc.cuny.edu Printable nomination forms are available on pages 15-17.

14 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

www.nypta.org

Nomination Form T e r m

o f

O f f i c e :

2 0 2 1

-

2 0 2 3

Nominations are being accepted for the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Delegate and Nominating Committee Member (1).

Instructions: Complete one copy of this form for each nominated individual. Submit this form to the Chapter Office. If you wish, you may nominate a person for more than one elected position on this form. The completed form(s) must be RECEIVED by the Chapter Office no later than November 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

Please print or type.

Individual’s full name:__________________________________________________________ Complete home or work address: ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone numbers: (h) (_____) ____________________ (w) (_____) __________________ The above individual is nominated for election to the following office: _____________________________________ or ___________________________________ The Chapter Office will solicit the consent to serve and biographical information from the person you nominate. The individual must have been a member of the association for two years preceding the election date and be qualified to execute the duties of the elected position(s).

Please print or type.

Your full name: _______________________________________________________________ District: _____________________________________________________________________ Your signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________________________________ Designate in what official capacity you are submitting this form; e.g., elected District Officer, Chapter Committee Chairperson, or Chapter Member. If no designation is noted, the Chapter Member capacity will be assumed.

www.nypta.org

❑ ❑

On behalf of committee: ____________________ On behalf of a district: ____________________

❑

Individual member:

_______________________ _______________________

_____________________________________________ Title of Office

Committee Name

Title of Office

District Name

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 15

The House of Delegates is an APTA policy-making body comprised of voting chapter delegates, non-voting delegates (the Board of Directors and section, assembly, and PTA Caucus delegates), and consultants.

The House meets annually for 3 successive days each spring during which time delegates make decisions on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the association and for the profession of physical therapy.

Any physical therapist member who has been an APTA member in good standing for two years immediately preceding the annual meeting of the House of Delegates for which you were elected may serve as a Chapter Delegate.

House of Delegates Nomination Form

Nomination Form and NYPTA Consent to Serve Form for Delegates to APTA’s 2022 House of Delegates, Date/Location: TBD DEADLINE: December 15, 2020 Instructions: Individuals wishing to become Delegates to the APTA House of Delegates must now submit their own Nomination Forms. Please print or type on the form below and mail or fax it to the Chapter Office (NYPTA / 971 Albany Shaker Road / Latham, NY 12210).

The completed form must be RECEIVED in Chapter Office by December 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

Qualifications: Only Physical Therapist members who have been APTA members in good standing for two years immediately preceding the annual meeting of the House of Delegates for which they are elected may serve as Chapter Delegates.

Full name of nominee: ____________________________________________

You have until December 15, 2020 to nominate yourself for Delegate to APTA’s 2022 House of Delegates.

Address: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Phone: (H)(_____) _____________ (W)(_____) _________________________ Email:__________________________________________________________ Current District Affiliation: _________________________________________ Date of membership in Chapter: ____________________________________ Please list specific Chapter, District or National Association activities (offices, committees, etc.) in which you have been involved. Please include dates and be specific. The information you provide is used by the Delegate Assembly to evaluate candidates. (Please attach your Association activities to this form, using additional sheets, if more space is necessary.)

Don't want to fill out a paper form. nominate someone online by going to:

You can

Chapter: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ District: ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

2021-2023 Officer Nomination Form https://www.nypta.org/page/20212023Nomination Deadline: 11/16/2020 2022 HOD Nomination Form https://www.nypta.org/page/2022HOD Deadline: 12/15/2020 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!

National: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ The conditions below are mandatory pre-Delegate activities required for Delegates to the House of Delegates. Please initial your consent adjacent to the statements: _________IF ELECTED, I WILL ATTEND DISTRICT MEETINGS WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO DISCUSS ISSUES RELATIVE TO THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY OR HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETINGS. _________IF ELECTED, I WILL ATTEND THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY HELD PRIOR TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING FOR WHICH I AM ELECTED. _______________________________________________________________ Date Signature

16 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

www.nypta.org

New York Chapter Nomination Form Representative to the 2021-2023 PTA Caucus Deadline: December 15, 2020

Instructions: Please print or type on the form below and mail or fax it to the Chapter Office (NYPTA, 971 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110) by the deadline above. The completed form must be RECEIVED in Chapter Office by December 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

Qualifications: Only Physical Therapist Assistant or Life Physical Therapist Assistant members who have been APTA members for one year immediately preceding election may serve as Chapter Representative.

Submitted By:

Full Name: Address: Phone: Email:

Membership #: (H) ( )

(W) ( )

Date of Membership in Chapter:

If this is a self-nomination, please sign below showing your consent.

Date

Signature Please mail or fax this form to New York Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 q Fax: 518-459-8953

Nominations for NYPTA Caucus Representative can be submitted online 2021-2023 NYPTA Caucus Representative https://www.nypta.org/page/20212023PTACaucus Deadline: 12/15/2020 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 17

NYPTA Members Attend Virtual Meeting With Members of Congress During August Recess to Garner Support to Fighting the 9% cut to Medicare and Make Telehealth Permanent

Sue O’Brien and Representative Joe Morelle with Jacob Templar, PT, DPT; Heather Hansen, PT, DPT, MBA; Ron Wood; PT, DPT and Chris Streeter, PT, DPT. Joe Morelle, did not agree to co-sponsor HR7154 and really didn’t want to discuss the 9% cut to medicare, but was more interested in the issue of making telehealth permanent.

Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS; Kevin Paulsen, PT and Tracy Sawyer, PT, DPT met with Representative Paul Tonko. He as agreed to cosponsor HR7154 to help fight the 9% cut to Medicare, and make telehealth permanent.

18 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

www.nypta.org

Maximize Your Membership NYPTA, with the help of the Retail Council, saves members money every day.

NYPTA members receive a free* terminal or mobile reader when they enroll in the credit card processing program

The Retail Council saves NYPTA members money on: Payroll processing Shipping costs

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www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 19

News & Announcements Golden Goniometer Entries - PT Global Day of Service

PT Global Day of Service is a great way to make a difference in the lives of patients and clients in and outside of the clinic. It’s what physical therapy is all about.

Join your fellow NYPTA PT, PTA and student members from across the state and, in fact, the World on Saturday, October 10, 2020, or throughout October (APTA’s National Physical Therapy Month) to participate in a day of service that gives back to the community.

Your event or activity can be submitted for the Golden Goniometer Award. This award is given to an individual or district who creates and/or participates in activities that raises awareness of our profession (see award criteria).

If you are submitting your event/activity for consideration for the Golden Goniometer Award, please include: • Name of the Event/Activity • Date/Location of Event/Activity • Why was the Event/Activity Selected?

• Photos (if available) All information should be emailed to Kelly Garceau at: kgarceau@nypta.org. Submission deadline is Monday, November 30, 2020 by 5PM.

NYPTA Webinar: Oct. 17th - PT Management for Patients with Pain

This course will focus on physical therapist management to maximize outcomes for patients with pain. This will include the practical application of pain neuropsychology in physical therapy practice. An overview of pain neurophysiology, including peripheral, central, and psychological factors will be provided to help participants integrate current pain science knowledge into practice. Participants will learn a mechanistic classification system that will help guide the examination, evaluation, and treatment of patients with pain. Treatment strategies that integrate traditional interventions performed by PTs, such as exercise and manual therapy, with neuropsychology based interventions, such as education, shared goal setting, and graded exposure, will be reviewed.

Register today at: https://www.nypta.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1421453

Connect with us on Social Media!

2020 NYPTA Events EC/BOD Finance Meeting Virtual 7pm - 9pm November 6, 2020 EC/BOD Fall Meeting Virtual 8:30am - 5pm November 7, 2020 2020 APTA Events National Student Conclave Virtual November 5, 2020 Combined Sections Meeting Virtual February 1, 2021

to Competent Professional Services Professional misconduct and unlicensed practice of the professions are against the law!

To report suspected cases of professional misconduct or unlicensed practice of the professions, call 800-442-8106 or email conduct@mail.nysed.gov.

20 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

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There’s no better way to: • Communicate • Engage • Share information

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September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 21

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www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 23

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This plan is NOT insurance.The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benets, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309 Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800.800.7616. © 2015 Teladoc, Inc. All rights reserved. Teladoc and the Teladoc logo are registered trademarks of Teladoc, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. Teladoc does not replace the primary care physician. Teladoc does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. Teladoc operates subject to state regulation and may not be available in certain states. Consults are not available outside of the U.S. Teladoc does not prescribe DEA controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. Teladoc physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services. Teladoc phone consultations are available 24 hours, 7 days a week while video consultations are available during the hours of 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week.

24 Empire State Physical Therapy • September/October, 2020

www.nypta.org

New York Physical Therapy Association A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110

www.nypta.org

September/October, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 25