April 2018 PULSE

APRIL 2018

-COMING UP THIS MONTHWednesday, April 4 11:30 am Windsor clinic at GE Employee Health Fair Saturday, April 7 10:00 am PTSMC at CT Advocates for Parkinson’s Expo at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell

IT’S ALL GOOD.

There is a lot happening at PTSMC as we prepare to put the first quarter of 2018 behind us. I’m not sure who is credited with the saying, “it’s all good,” however it seems to fit! Here’s a rapid run down of some of the good stuff: No snow today. First of all, as I write this we are not experiencing our weekly nor’easter…which is nice. A huge THANK YOU to the teams of people who worked hard to be flexible and creative in providing care to our customers in challenging weather times!

A new website. PTSMC is in the midst of a complete website overhaul. The new design will be more user-friendly and will perform better on mobile devices.

The format will also allow for more flexibility and customization of content. In the end, the goal is to provide a better user experience, including easier access to more information and a clearer pathway to submitting appointment requests online – all of which should mean more business for your clinics!

The outcomes are coming. We have officially transitioned all offices to WebPT. This is significant for several reasons: a single platform makes sense for consistency across clinics, and WebPT recently acquired BMS, our billing and collections company, further streamlining our data platforms.

We believe the combination will create efficiency in information gathering and analytics. One of the biggest benefits is that using WebPT across PTSMC allows for the collection of outcome data and reporting. In virtually all payment and “value based” discussions, outcomes are critical. I am confident we are doing a great job, and it will be awesome to be able to prove it to third party payers, referral sources and our customers.

Marketing portal. An easy to use place where our people will be able to get cool stuff with the click of a mouse! Again, in the interest of consistency, streamlining and ease of process, the marketing team has worked with ProForma to create a one-stop online shop for the majority of your print and promotional needs. We’re excited to put much of the ordering power back into the

Saturday, April 21 10:00 am Newington at Chamber Home and Business Showcase & Taste of Newington

hands of the clinic staff to make things more efficient.

Middletown! Orange! Windsor! PTSMC will celebrate the opening of our twentieth location, led by partner Mike Antunes, in late April. Our Windsor and Orange locations are both doubling in size. Construction should begin in the next month.

PTSMC Residency Application. We have officially submitted our Residency application to the APTA for review. We expect to hear our status in the next 4-8 weeks. Of course we are hoping for acceptance! Thanks to Mike Gans for the time, energy and effort put into this massive process. With official acceptance, we plan to start our first class between July and October!

Interested in being a part of the Residency? Reach out to Mike.Gans@ptsmc.com.

PTSMC recognized as TOP WORKPLACE, 8th year!

This actually hasn’t happened yet...I’m just thinking positively! The Energage, formerly Workplace Dynamics, Survey will be coming out in late April. Please take the time to respond.

I would love to for PTSMC to be recognized for our 8th straight year. As important as the recognition, I always look forward to the survey results and comments. They are so helpful in making sure we continue to be a GREAT place to work and to improve areas that make us better.

Organization Inservice May 15th at WoodWinds I always look forward to this annual event. PTSMC is all about the awesome people who work here and I am excited to see everyone at a new venue. It’s always a great opportunity to connect with the employees who make PTSMC a great place to work and who deliver on our mission every day. As you know, I love celebrations!

Based on the beginning of 2018, we have a lot to celebrate, and I thank you for all you have done and will do as the year goes on.

StriveHub Fab 5

Glen is very helpful to me. He understands my unique body mechanics and work with me to help achieve my goals.

- Branford Friendly atmosphere and Todd was always making sure I was okay and not experiencing pain with whatever he did or whatever exercise he asked me to do. I felt very comfortable and have already recommended them. - East Hampton Friendly staff, made me feel comfortable, encouraged me so that I also follow through with the exercises at home. Every session something better happens, either there or later at home. - Naugatuck

Professional and friendly staff, good location and clean facility. Mary Clark, in particular, has superior knowledge and exquisite care practice. My progress has been excellent and wouldn’t be as such if I hadn’t enrolled in your program.

- New Haven Bryan and Josh have excellent expertise. My problem, which had been going on for months and had finally become debilitating, was addressed with steady improvement after several visits and after a month or 2 was solved altogether. I am very pleased with the outcome of working with their practice. - New Milford

Thursday, April 26 11:30 am New Haven clinic at Regional Water Authoriy Employee Health Fair Sunday, April 29 8:30 am Middletown, Plainville, Southington, Wallingford & Waterbury at Cheshire Half and 5K

OPENING SOON:

PTSMC MIDDLETOWN!

PTSMC will soon have it’s 20th CT location! Our new Middletown location will be opening its doors in mid-April. The brand new 2,400 square foot clinic will be located at 134 Main Street Extension.

Mike Antunes, PT, DPT, OCS will be Partner and Director for the new clinic. Mike has been with PTSMC since 2011, working as a physical therapist in Watertown. He’s a Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist, a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, and graduate of PTSMC’s Leadership and Management Development Program. Mike also has a passion for education, having served as a mentor for first-year clinicians within our organization. A Middlefield resident, Mike is excited to open a clinic so close to the community he and his family call home.

Joining Mike at PTSMC Middletown is Patient Services Coordinator, Liz Walton. Liz has worked for years as a PT aide in Watertown, and has been transitioning into her new duties by working part-time in Southbury over the past few months. Mike is excited to have her as his teammate in this new venture!

This duo is ready to blossom in Middletown when they open this spring! Details about a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting are forthcoming - all will be welcome! Be sure to check out PTSMC on social media to follow all of the clinic opening updates as we get ready to open for business.

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

BY JOHN GALER, PT, DPT

Changes in muscle architecture of biceps femoris induced by eccentric strength training with nordic hamstring exercise Available research has demonstrated that eccentric strength training can alter muscle architecture, and play an important role in hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation. Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) is an eccentric exercise targeting the hamstrings.

The eccentric NHE has shown improvements in strength and dynamic control after 10 weeks of training, including a reduction in the maximum peak torque when approaching full knee extension, a lower incidence rate of hamstring injuries in athletes and soccer players, and an ability to change fascicle length in the Biceps Femoris - Long Head, these findings suggest NHE’s effectiveness as a basis for a functional eccentric training for athletes.

The study was 13 weeks long with ultrasound measurements of Biceps Femoris - Long Head (fascicle length, Muscle thickness, and pennation angle). Measurements were taken week 1 at initial assessment, week 9 after 8 weeks of NHE program, and Week 13 after a 4 week detraining period. For this study, 23 participants, ranging from ages 22 to 29, were sampled, all with similar weight and height measurements.

The study reported changes in muscle architecture of the Biceps Femoris - Long Head in response to an 8 week eccentric training program with NHE that resulted in significant increase in fascicle length, muscle thickness and significant decrease in pennation angle. All of these gains were reversed following a 4 week detraining period.

Some of the major takeaways of the study were: adding NHE to preseason exercise program may help reduce occurrence and recurrence of hamstring injury in sport. Also, NHE may be one of the last exercises a hamstring strain patient will tolerate, but may be most useful in preventing future injury.

Lastly, detraining to baseline levels of Fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle are evident 4 weeks following cessation of program. Therefore, it is important to instruct patients in continuing exercise prescription following discharge from skilled PT services.

For more details about the eccentric training progression and results based on the study protocol, email John.Galer@ptsmc.com.

Depicted below are modified versions of NHE that can be used in a resistance progression:

Alonso-Fernandez D, Docampo-Blanco P, Martinez-Fernandez J. Changes in muscle architecture of biceps femoris induced by eccentric strength training with nordic hamstring exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018;28:88–94.

ton g n i w e N MC S T P t a OCS y , t i T m P e D r , t T x n, P er E e l l w A o e L o : J E : S UR h tor ter c O u C r G t s N n I I UPCOM , May 8t 4-8 pm ConEd@ptsmc.com to regis Email Tuesday Are You Using the 59 Modifier Correctly?

The use of the 59 modifier is coming under great scrutiny by Medicare reviews and it is important to know that you are using it correctly. This code is used when you are billing two codes together that are considered mutually exclusive by Medicare, such as Manual Therapy and Mechanical Traction. Using the 59 modifier is acceptable in this instance as long as you have performed these procedures in distinctly different periods of time during your treatment session. You will be prompted by WebPT with the following statement upon closing the note when you have billed two mutually exclusive codes together: This should be your prompt to make sure that you have documented the reason why both of these codes are required for the treatment of this patient. You should clearly state why they need both procedures during this particular treatment session and that you performed them during different times in the treatment session.

STUDENTPROGRAM PROGRAM UPDATE STUDENT UPDATE Welcome Amber Manville! Amber is a DPT student at Mercy College and will be completing her clinical affiliation with Erik Olsen in Southbury from April until June.

Special thanks to PTSMC Avon for already accepting 3 DPT students for 2018!

MONEY BEAT

JIM HUNGERFORD, CPA GO AHEAD & BRAG ABOUT YOUR COWORKERS! FEDERAL & CT TAX RETURNS What a great time to BRAG a little about your co-workers and how their PT for Life actions are making a difference in people’s lives. Please take a few moments to “brag” about that coworker. Below are suggested areas for recognition: • Special things they are doing to help the clinic • Special things they are doing to help a patient • Special things they are doing to for another person linked to PTSMC Employees will be recognized, receive a written recognition and have their photo taken at the Organizational Inservice on May 15th. Recognitions will not be read at the Inservice and instead will be included in a special edition of the PULSE after the Inservice. You can choose to have your name stated or remain anonymous at the Inservice and in the PULSE. To make this process easier and to generate increased participation, a template will be emailed to all PTSMC employees!

Fill out the template and submit your recognition to sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com by Monday, April 30.

Have you filed your 2017 tax returns and need to change your deductions?

To change deductions complete a federal or state W4 located in Human Resources under company documents and send to Sandra Boccialetti.

VACATION APPROVAL

Have you submitted your vacation requests for June, July and August?

Vacation time has been approved or denied by your Director and you should have received an email.

Your correct current vacation balance will be displayed on your Time off icon in Time and Attendance.

Click on this icon to see your time off requests displayed.

EMPLOYEE CALENDAR

Coming in April! Look in your email for a biweekly employee calendar to include important dates and information you need to know.

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT PTSMC Physical Therapist Newington

Patient Services Coordinator (part-time) Guilford & Southbury

Physical Therapy Aide Groton Guilford Waterbury Westbrook

Customer Experience Coordinator (30-40 hours) Admin

Check PTSMC.com for our most up to date postings and feel free to share!

We’re always interested in connecting with referrals of colleagues and friends.

SAVE THE DATE - Sunday, June 3rd Fun for the whole family! Tickets are $30/person and include seating in the Connecticare Pavilion. Cost includes food, soft drinks and water for 2.5 hours. Adult beverages will be available for cash. For the kids: Traveler’s Fun Zone tickets can be purchased.

Children will also be able to run the bases after the game! Watch your emails for a formal event registration.

HARVARD PILGRIM: In order to obtain authorization to cover the Initial Evaluation (IE) and treatment on the first date of service, it is important to include the IE date on the Harvard Pilgrim fax cover sheet. If you do not include the IE date, Harvard Pilgrim will only pay for the IE code and none of the treatment. This is not explained when you call Harvard Pilgrim to check benefits. They will tell you authorization is required after the IE. They are not taking into account that treatment may be done on the first visit.

New year, new tax law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act brings some big changes to residents of CT. Following is a brief synopsis of some of the important changes: Tax Brackets and Rates Tax rates at most levels have fallen. For instance, under the previous law a married couple would fall into the 25% tax bracket with income between $77,400 - $156,000. With the new law, they will be in the 22% bracket.

Personal Exemptions and Standard Deduction For 2017, you can claim a personal exemption of $4,050 per person on your tax return, including your spouse and dependents. In 2018 and forward, the exemption has been eliminated. As a potential offset to this lost exemption, lawmakers nearly doubled the standard deduction from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples and $6,350 to $12,000 for single taxpayers. These higher amounts mean that more people can and will claim a standard deduction rather than itemize.

Itemized Deductions There were substantial changes here. Important for CT residents is the deductibility for property taxes (house, cars) and state income taxes is capped at $10,000 – combined. For those who own homes, this change could actually increase your tax bill next April, as CT is considered a high tax state for property and income taxes. Interest expenses on home equity loans and lines of credit have also been eliminated.

Mortgage interest on your principal mortgage is still deductible if your mortgage amount is below $750,000.

Child Tax Credit The child tax credit is now $2,000, up from $1,000 for each child under age 17. Under the old law once your child reached age 17, you lost the credit. The new tax law created a new $500 credit per child (or dependent), as long as your combined income is below $200,000 for a single person and $400,000 for a married couple.

College savings Parents can now use 529 plans to cover tuition not only at colleges and universities, but also at private elementary and high schools. With the ever-increasing cost of college, I would recommend most parents use the 529 only for college costs – that way the tax-free growth of your 529 plan will give you a head start on paying for college. If you take the funds out now for private schools, you will lose out on years of tax free growth within your account.

What It Means for You One of the goals of the tax bill was to give Americans a tax cut, and many people should see a reduction in their tax bill. The degree to how much those savings will be, or if there is any at all, depends on your specific situation. For us here in Connecticut, with high income and property taxes, the cap on those deductions should be looked at with your tax advisor to ensure that next tax filing season you are not hit with an increased tax bill.

Life Beat

No matter what your fitness level is, you will probably be sore and tired from “springing back into action”. Preparation, injury prevention and using your head are the keys to having a productive weekend in the yard or back on the field. Here are a few tips that can help you complete your outdoor chores or prepare you for being back in the game: - Warm Up! Even if you are doing yard work or gardening, you are still using muscles that haven’t been used in a while. It is important to warm up your muscles before starting an activity to get the circulation going. This can be done as easily as walking a few minutes before beginning your activity.

- Stand up straight! Keep a wide base of support while you stand still and move around. Use your legs to shift your weight side to side instead of twisting.

- Lift properly. We all know to “lift with your legs”, but actually do it!

- Stay hydrated. Always aim to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water.

- Be smart. If you’ve had enough, stop. Don’t over do it.

Happy Anniversary!

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

APRIL BIRTHDAYS Stefanie Cagno Maddie Delgreco Jeremy Fields Erik Lanese Abbey Roderick Ariel Toth Kristin Gilbey Erin Walsh Rick Purdy Sam Huebner Cody Morrissey Allison Weisenbach Carol Corbo Amy Platt Jon Soderquist Ashley Figueiredo Emma Belval Jim Hungerford

April 5 April 8 April 8 April 11 April 11 April 14 April 16 April 16 April 17 April 18 April 18 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 23 April 24 April 27 April 28

Orange Plainville Groton Waterbury New London Naugatuck Avon Waterbury New Haven Westbrook Southbury Branford Waterbury Guilford Avon New Milford Westbrook Admin

ANNIVERSARIES

HAPPY 1 YEAR! Ben Romann, Plainville Massage Therapist Taylor Pelletier, Southington PT Aide

Congratulations

Pete Catuccio is being honored on April 22 with The Don Stepanek Community Service Award as part of the Water-Oak Circle of Sports Awards Banquet.

“Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor.”

Providing clinical mentorship is an essential part of developing clinical skills, but it’s also one of the reasons that PTSMC is able to attract newer clinicians. Our team of Clinical Mentors, make this possible! Many thanks to Nick Almonte, Juliann Chacko, Danielle Dunn, Kristina Lipeika, and of course, Director of Clinical Excellence, Mike Gans! Your time and talents are so appreciated.

NEW EMPLOYEES

Welcome to PTSMC. We’re so happy to have you!

Bryan Baker Westbrook Physical Therapist

Jillian Cristaldi Newington Physical Therapist

Sylwia Danowski Newington PT Aide

Natalie Lytle Admin Office Assistant

Eleni Medici East Hampton PT Aide

Jeremy Miller Windsor PT Aide

Last month marked the 5 year anniversary of PTSMC Windsor.

Congratulations to Brian Vo and the entire Windsor team!

PTSMC Happenings

Westbrook Celebrates 15 Years!

On March 27, Michelle Kijewski & Danielle Dunn led a Kinesio Taping Lecture and Lab for Masonicare home therapists in Wallingford.

Many thanks to Mike Antunes, Alan Balavender, Rob Bass, Ellen Chatfield, Kevin Connellan, Peter Decoteau, Mike Durand, Heather Feiner, Scott Olmstead, Steve & Amy Platt, and Erin Walsh for their support of this event and growing relationship with Masonicare.

Central CT Chambers Health Fair

Naugatuck Outing Cooking Class Shamrock Shuffle

Groton at the Hare Hop 5K

A FUNny Get Together!

Middletown Progess Branford and New Haven’s Inservice Got Wild!

Social Media Sensation

Congratulations to Caty Halpin, Westbrook Athletic Trainer, for being chosen as this month’s Social Media Sensation! To help celebrate National Atheltic Training Month, Caty starred in a video sharing more about the role of an athletic trainer and share information about concussion assessment, managment and treatment.

Thanks for sharing you talent and knowledge, Caty!

Enjoy your gift card!

Save The Date!

PTSMC Organizational Inservice

Tuesday, May 15

The WoodWinds in Branford