April 2024 PULSE

LEAP DAY 2024

Occasionally an opportunity comes along that you must take. This year, February provided an extra day! PTSMC’s leadership team used our “extra day” to help make PTSMC better.

We covered a lot of ground at the Management Meeting on the 29th including 20 pages of pre-read documents intended to help everyone understand the challenges and opportunities facing PTSMC. Today I am hitting on a few of those highlights.

The big news, as everyone has heard, is the move to Prompt as PTSMC’s new EMR! Trust me, the decision to replace WebPT didn’t happen in one day. In truth, almost two years of e ort and debate went into this plan.

I am grateful to all the clinical and non-clinical talent who dedicated hours to participating in surveys, reviewing products, listening to sales pitches, grinding through tutorials, playing in “sandboxes,” and engaging in open debates about the pros and cons of each product and vendor.

The ultimate driver of the search was one question, “Is there an EMR with the capability to improve the quality of our people’s lives?

Ultimately, we selected Prompt based on our team’s belief that the technology and customer service tools will lead to more e cient documentation. We know that the transition phase will slow us down temporarily. Getting to the “other side” will require learning, adaptation and e ort.

Change is never easy. This is a big WIN that will result in happier PTSMC people who feel supported, are more e cient, and take less documentation home!

On another technology note, four PTSMC clinics participated in a pilot study with Prediction Health. Prediction Health, uses AI-based technology to scan clinical documentation and help clinicians document more compliantly and e ciently. It analyzes each medical record to determine if a clinician is over or under

documenting and to ensure proper code selection during billing by comparing it to CPT coding de nitions.

The pilot group reported a positive experience with the insights Prediction Health provides, and we now have six clinics actively using the service. We are optimistic that this technology can help clinicians save time, improve documentation e ciency, and help us accurately capture charges more e ectively. This should lead to more accurate payment for the services we provide.

Change seems to be the theme right now, so I may as well roll with it. PTSMC is bringing the functions of billing and collection “in house!”

Our growth and WebPT’s inability to live up to our expectations led us to reach out to similar organizations across the country for feedback and consultation on how they run their revenue cycle management (RCM). We learned all our “peers” manage their own. The bottom line was “build your own team.”

PTSMC’s RCM team is split by function: Billing and Collections, the former led by Jenn Detlefsen and the latter by Alison Pearce. As we transition away from WebPT, we anticipate improved performance in both areas. Our RCM team will also have better technology through Prompt, allowing for better understanding of and faster solutions to billing and collection issues.

February 29th happens once every four years. I am con dent that those extra hours in 2024 helped create a clearer and more successful future for PTSMC.

In anticipation of changes and future success, to everyone, in advance for your participation, patience, and optimism as we transition to a new EMR and in-house RCM: THANK YOU!

Thanks for all you do,

Alan

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Jackie Fernandez, Danbury Physical Therapist

Deceleration Training in Back-to-Sports Rehab

Congratulations DOCS Grad!

Employee Spotlight: Melani Hayes, Danielson PSC

Billing Blog: Denials vs. Rejections

*New Article!*

By Tracy Laramore

DEI: Celebrate Earth Day in the O ce By Marilex Santiago

Upcoming DEI Forums

LifeBeat: Manage Your Mind

BRAGS Submission

Link in article to submit

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

Deceleration Training in Return-to Sport Rehab

Jackie Fernandez, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist at PTSMC Danbury

As clinicians, our goal is to help patients return to their prior level of function in a safe, e cient, and functional manner. Nevertheless, when it comes to athletes, there comes a time when we should shift our focus from overall function to general performance.

Current return-to-sport testing focuses on regaining mobility, strength, and neuromuscular control to demonstrate one’s ability to meet functional demands. Power, speed, coordination, and agility are among a few concepts related to improving athletic performance. One notion often overlooked in the midst of rehabilitation for back-to-sport athletes, however, is deceleration training.

In terms of athletic capability, we can simply narrow down movement execution to two relative terms, acceleration and deceleration. Acceleration in reference to one’s ability to facilitate force, and deceleration referring to one’s ability to adjust and reduce momentum.2,3,5,6 While generating enough force to concentrically perform a task or action is essential, deceleration is of equal if not greater importance.

Despite the various loads placed on athletes from sport to sport, most non-contact injuries occur due to the inability to control deceleration during change of direction and excessive loading responses. Notably, it has been found that roughly 70% of all ACL injuries occur from non-contact maneuvers.1 Whether it be in relation to repetitive stresses, overuse, or reduced control of directional demands, the ability to attenuate eccentric forces should be taken into consideration, especially when treating return-to -sport athletes.

With regard to injury prevention, I encourage you to think about when you last implemented an eccentrically driven component for your athletes. When did you last slow down the rate of speed and emphasize eccentric loading?

Educate them regarding body mechanics during change of direction?

Cue them in relation to the importance of force absorption upon landing?

Current research indicates that adolescent athletes are at a 30 to 40 times greater risk of re-injuring their ACL compared to uninjured counterparts, with a second injury occurring between six months and two years after return to sport.4 Furthermore, the rate of re-injury regarding upper extremity pathology amongst softball and baseball players has been found to increase yearly, with rates reportedly as high as 64%.5 Through implementing more eccentric-based exercises, we allow our patients the ability to e ectively stabilize and control their deceleration phase of motion, while further reducing the risk of re-injury.

Aside from the physical performance realm, back-to-sport rehabilitation allows athletes the chance to learn about their limitations, movement patterns, as well as educate them regarding their injury. Cognitive appraisals, self-determination, and social support are all at play when discussing injury prevention and return to sport decisions. Although the psychological aspect of return-to-sport rehabilitation is a discussion for another time, it is also something we as clinicians and support personnel should be cognizant of throughout our plan of care. Although skillfully addressing one’s physical impairments and limitations is one of our utmost responsibilities, we must take into account other psychosocial factors as well as be open to other means of recovery.

References:

1. Boden BP, Dean GS, Feagin JA, Garrett WE. Mechanisms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Orthopedics. 2000;23(6):573-578. doi:10.3928/0147-7447-20000601-15

2. Garner S, Wicke J, Legreaux S, Chianchiano B. E ects of deceleration-focused exercise strategies on shoulder range of motion and throwing velocity in baseball and softball athletes. Sports Biomechanics. 2021;20(1):86-95. doi:10.1080/14763141.2018.1556325

3. McBurnie AJ, Harper DJ, Jones PA, Dos’Santos T. Deceleration Training in Team Sports: Another Potential ‘Vaccine’ for Sports-Related Injury? Sports Med. 2022;52(1):1-12. doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01583-x

4. Wiggins AJ, Grandhi RK, Schneider DK, Stan eld D, Webster KE, Myer GD. Risk of Secondary Injury in Younger Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(7):1861-1876. doi:10.1177/0363546515621554

5.Wilk KE, Thomas ZM, Mangine RE, Fuller P, Davies GJ. Neurocognitive and Reactive Return to Play Testing Protocol in Overhead Athletes Following Upper Extremity Injury. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2023;18(6). doi:10.26603/001c.89926

6. Wolfe C, Page P, Voight M, Norman C, Draovitch P. The Deceleration Index - Is it the Missing Link in Rehabilitation? International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2023;18(2). doi:10.26603/001c.73799

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

SPONSORED COURSES

Myopain Pearls & Review

April 27 -28, 2024 at PTSMC Wallingford

Myopain Dry Needling 3 Advanced

May 17-19, 2024 at Quinnipiac University

*NEW:

Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete

August 3-4, 2024

Instructed by ICE at Taft School in Watertown

*NEW: SMT 1: High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust Manipulation of the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, & Sacroiliac Joints

September 21-22, 2024

Instructed by American Academy of Manipulation at PTSMC Guilford

Visit the ERC Clinical Excellence folder for all future course information.

Email ConEd@ptsmc.com to register for PTSMC courses or with any Clinical Excellence questions.

MARCH Courses

PTSMC clinicians attended Myopain Seminars’ Dry Needling 2: Foundations II course at Quinnipiac University.

CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB

All meeting are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS.

Upcoming CD dates: 04/02, 05/07

Upcoming JC dates: 04/16, 05/21

Go to the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder for CD & JC 2024 information.

Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.

Click here to access the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder.

CONGRATULATIONS DOCS GRAD!

The Clinical Excellence Team would like to recognize and congratulate the most recent graduate of the Development of Clinical Success (DOCS) Program:

Mike Stofko, PT, DPT, Shelton

Mike was asked to re ect on his DOCS Program experience and share the most in uential parts of the program, as well as what she looks forward to pursuing next for continuing education:

“The most in uential part of the DOCS program was practicing old and new manual techniques in lab. Currently, I am pursuing Trigger Point Dry Needling and interventions in Oncology physical therapy.”

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

Why students love our Student Program:

“I had a wonderful time at PTSMC Fair eld. I met so many awesome people and patients, it was very di cult to say goodbye! I learned so much about both PT as a profession and who I am as a growing PT.”

“As my rst clinical experience and reaching mid-term of my second, PTSMC Windsor and my CI set a very high bar for quality of care and education within a clinical rotation.”

PTSMC clinicians attended the internal DOCS Lumbar Course at PTSMC Wallingford instructed by Melissa Boutagy, Clinical Compliance O cer & Guilford PT.

New Employees

Essex

Middletown

Branford

Bristol

Danbury

Groton

Guilford

Lock Street

New Haven

New London

Plainville

Shelton

Simsbury

Southbury

West Hartford

Wethers eld

Windsor

Danbury

Danielson

East Hampton

Essex

Fair eld

Groton

Guilford

Middletown

New Milford

Orange

Plainville

Putnam

Shelton

Waterbury

Westbrook

Windsor

Victoria Czubat New Haven PT Aide

Becca Ferlazzo Glastonbury Physical Therapist

Nancy Fernandes Orange PSC

Eli Hood West Hartford PT Aide

Joenice Santiago Virtual PSC

Michaela Houk New Haven PT Aide

Sophia Motyl Shelton PT Aide

Pamela Sbarra Danbury PT Aide

Olivia Walling Middletown PT Aide

Victoria Rasichanh Bristol PT Aide

Employee SPOT LIGHT

By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement

PTSMC acquired the Danielson and Putnam locations in Melani Hayes was a part of the acquired sta from Danielson, and she is still today! Pre-PTSMC, she was a patient of Paul Dinwoodie’s (Danielson, PT). Their front desk sta member was retiring, and Paul knew Melani had worked in related healthcare roles. Melani was interested, and they made her an o er she could not refuse!

Melani remembers learning all the new ropes to operate as PTSMC after being acquired. Yes, it was a little crazy and sometimes they were “ ying by the seat of their pants,” but the support and help they received with learning the new system and operations was awesome. Now about two years later, Melani loves that there are still opportunities to learn new things, for example through the monthly PSC calls. She is not afraid to ask questions and loves having coworkers in Admin and Putnam to work through things with. Melani and “Mac” (Michaela Horne, Putnam, PSA) always help each other out, and she loves that they can rely on each other.

Patient engagement is Melani’s number one goal. She has worked at many medical o ces over the years, and PTSMC Danielson is like no other when it comes to their patients. Melani explains, “I want people to have experiences here that I don’t feel I get when I go to my doctors’ visits. I want to spread that here.” She takes great pride in how she treats people and deeply believes in how important it is for them have happy experiences. She is a giver! She has learned through her many years of experience that you will get back what you give out, and the patient response and engagement in Danielson thrives under that mindset.

Every month, Melani and the Danielson team have a new theme for decorations (currently the clinic is covered in baby chicks) and freebies for patients. Melani and Lisa Guilbault (Danielson, PT) are both avid crafters and chocolate makers! They put their skills to use each month creating giveaways – miniature gnomes, leprechauns,

Melani Hayes

Danielson Patient Services Coordinator

goodie bags, gift baskets, you name it! You’ve likely seen their creations in previous PULSE Happenings or on PTSMC’s social media. Patients also love to get involved in their giveaways. For April, a patient created two handmade blankets to ra e o ! These initiatives almost always have a community connection. Danielson collects donations for local needs all the time. When their patients donate, Melani always has something ready to give them in return to make them smile.

Melani is so dedicated to the community of Danielson because she grew up and still lives within 10 minutes of the clinic. She always gets involved in town events and spent 12 years coaching her daughter’s cheerleading teams. She jokes that she can’t even go to Walmart without seeing 10 patients! Melani and her husband, Peter, built their home about nine years ago out in the middle of the woods, dirt road and all, on six acres of land. They have a fenced-in yard for their dogs to run around. They are big dog lovers who enjoy spending lots of time with their Great Pyrenees Dalilah (Melani is pictured with their late dog, Diesel).

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

April birthdays are located in the ERC. Click here to see the list of birthdays.

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

Dan Delgado Physical Therapist Windsor

Julia Rosa PT Aide Windsor

Rosangie Burgos PT Aide Naugatuck

GO AHEAD BRAG A LITTLE

Do you have a coworker who goes above and beyond? Someone who is 110% engaged in our PT for Life culture?

Then, it’s time to recognize that person in a “BRAG”!

A BRAG is an opportunity to “boast” about a coworker who goes ABOVE & BEYOND their job for patients and fellow sta members. Let everyone know how this person shows up in the PT For Life mindset, or a speci c moment where our PT For Life way shined through.

Melani is a homebody and loves to spend her time working in the yard and gardening. She does venture every now and then out to Pennsylvania to see her daughter and two grandbabies. Her other favorite things are of course crafting, making chocolates or baking. Some even say her cookies are so good, she should change her day job! Bringing joy to the patients of Danielson though is something she couldn’t stop doing if she tried. Even the welcome center has decorations and tables from Melani’s own home to make patients feel cozy and comfortable. Making a di erence in their lives is a passion of Melani’s, and she loves that she gets to show this every day.

Melani made 86 gnomes in di erent colors for the winter holidays.

As the “bragger” you can choose to have your name stated or remain anonymous.

Recognitions will be displayed in a special addition of the JUNE PULSE!

Click HERE to submit

Reminder that supervisors cannot be a bragger for the employees they supervise.

Submissions will be open through May 15th.

Email Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com with any questions.

PTSMC Happenings!

Fair eld submitted a patient testimonial with Eileen, who sent a beautiful message about how her therapist Rebecca Petrosino helped her to be able to pick up her granddaughter.

March 24th.

UPCOMING PTSMC EVENTS !

APRIL

April 13 Essex

Essex Steam Train

Half Marathon

April 20 Human Resources

APTA Student Conclave

April 24 Wethers eld

Wethers eld HS Career Fair

April 27 Windsor

Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k

*click here to sign up*

April 28 New Haven

Julia’s Run for Children

MAY

May 2 Glastonbury

Marathon Sports Event

May 3 Practice Liaisons

CT Orthopedic Society

Annual Conference

May 4 Putnam

Jog for Judy Race

May 11 Danielson

Da odil Festival 5k

May 19 Newington

Newington Library 5k

President Alan Balavender

PTSMC Partners & Directors at the Management Meeting on February 29th.

Matt Baronowski and Janet Tarasuk snapped a photo at the Bristol Shamrock Shu e. Matt stretched out runners while Janet ran.

Wallingford received donuts and co ee for winning the Ugly Sweater Contest! Pictured left to right Mallory Mason, Amanda Leiss, and Bella Matarazzo.

Wethers eld had an employee appreciation happy hour at Tavern in the Square.

Mallory Mason presented on understanding and managing burnout at Fair eld's sta meeting

Practice Liaisons and Employer Services attended the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants Conference. Left photo left to right: Chris Colley, Heather Feiner, and Janet Tarasuk. Right photo: Shelby Pocius with Chris and Janet.

Westbrook celebrated Pi Day 3.14 by giving out pies to patients.

Danielson did a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt. Pictured are two patients with their prizes.

Employees from Admin, Avon, Glastonbury, Newington, Plainville, Simsbury, and West Hartford ran in and fundraised for Johnny’s Jog on

Johnny's Jog for Charity is inspired by Johnny Moran, who was born with Wieacker Wol Syndrome, a rare debilitating condition that a ects the central and peripheral nervous systems, and passed at 9 years old.

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS Social Media CATCH UP

StriveHub Fab 5

“Danielle (Butsch) always helps me manage my chronic pain condition. She takes the time to get to know me, medically and as a person, and that makes a big di erence in guring out what actually helps.” - Lock Street

“Atmosphere is very pleasant with a positive vibe. All personnel cohesively provide care and attention to my personal needs. It doesn’t matter which therapist I am scheduled with, they are on track with my care plan as if they were the only one to have seen me through out my time there. I have recommended them to others as well.”- New Milford

“It’s a great environment, very supportive, and it’s a partnership that guided me towards a stronger, more balanced, body. I very much appreciated the one on one attention from Erik (Olsen) at each appointment. I continue to do most of the physical therapy exercises at home and I know that PT for Life is a great resource for any questions or guidance I might need in the future.”

- Southbury

BLOG POST

Reel

“I came in with a bit of a weak knee, nothing major, but couldn't handle load or stairs. Their assessment and plan were correct - I'm seeing steady and rapid improvement by following what they've recommended. Kind, very helpful sta , always a pleasant experience. Thanks, PTSMC!”

- New London

“I had immediate relief from the pain I was dealing with for over 10 months after my rst session. I love the positive environment and progression of my plan of exercises!”

- Watertown

Elena Masiello, Wallingford Physical Therapist, lmed a reel about how PT can help vertigo and dizziness.

LONG-FORM VIDEO

Mike McGowan, Windsor Assistant Director, shared why he loves his job and being a part of the Windsor team.

Xani Sanchez, Southington PT, and her husband Ramon welcomed baby girl Sienna “Cici” Sanchez on February 7th. She’s pictured with her older sister, Amaia.

Congratulations to the following Simsbury PT Aides who were promoted to Patient Care Coordinators:

West Hartford Director Katie Redman completed a 20 HR Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training from Awakened Spirit Yoga.

Vice President of Operations Sandy Wickman Mason achieved her certi cation in Healthcare Compliance (CHC).

Olivia Schaub Madison Sides

APRIL Wellness: MANAGE YOUR MIND

The following techniques are designed to help calm your mind by staying grounded in the moment. They can be used when your mind wanders or you notice you’re about to have an anxiety or panic attack.

The goal is to ll your brain with thoughts on the here and now, and stop your brain from going to other places.

Interject

You must learn to catch yourself. Sometimes we literally must tell our minds, “Stop It!”

Interrupt your thoughts by stating the mantra “I am here now.”

Repeat as many times in your mind or out loud as needed to feel in control. After you do that, practice the next strategies.

Touch Exercises

1. An object can help with dgeting and refocusing. If you nd an object you like, keep it in hand and feel it.

2. Use your surroundings- If you’re on a walk, touch a fence or a wall. If you’re in the car, feel your seat or the door. If you’re trying to sleep, feel the pillow on your face.

In both exercises, describe in your mind or out loud: How does it feel? Is it cold? Rough? Does it have patterns? Describe it in a calm, rhythmic way.

5 Senses Practice

Use the following prompts to go through your environment and talk through each of the ve senses.

I see ______________________

I feel _____________________

I hear _____________________

I smell ____________________

I taste ____________________

Keep it simple- there is no right or wrong. If your mind is focused on the statements above and not on anxious thoughts, you’re good. Try to nd a calm rhythmic pattern. Repeat until you feel your mind and body calm down.

APRIL

Well-being Theme: Manage Your Mind

Virtual DEI Forum: 4/12 at 12:00pm

MAY

Well-being Theme: National Mental Health Awareness Month

BRAGS Submission Deadline: 5/5

Virtual DEI Forum: 5/16 at 1:00 pm

Energage Survey: 5/7 - 5/20

#GetMoving- Healthy Mind & Body: 5/1 - 5/31

#GetMoving Healthy Mind & Body

Commit to your mental wellness by joining this challenge group May 1 – May 31.

Reach physical goals and participate in mindfulness practices to earn rewards.

More info coming soon.

Upcoming DEI Forums in Q2

April: LGBTQ+

Friday, April 12th | 12pm-12:30pm

Join us for an open discussion on LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare!

• What resources or training might we need to better support the LGBTQ+ community?

May: OPEN Forum

Thursday, May 16th | 1pm-1:30pm

Share your insights and learn from others in our open-topic DEI forum.

• What are some pressing DEI topics you believe we should address?

June: Intersectionality

Tuesday, June 18th | 1:30pm-2pm

Let’s talk about how gender, class, race, and sexuality shape individual identities.

• What is intersectionality and how does intersectionality help us understand the complexities of individual experiences and identities?

Email

DEI Embracing Our Responsibility: Celebrate Earth Day in the O ce

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader

There are a lot of heavy concepts in the world of DEI to think about and discuss. As much as possible, we try to unpack those topics in these articles and discussions. This month, we are shifting gears a bit to focus on the one thing ALL humans are connected to- our planet Earth!

Earth Day is April 22nd. As it approaches, we are reminded that we share the responsibility to protect and cherish our planet. It’s a great time to come together to take small actions to make our Earth somewhere we all can thrive.

In our clinics, o ces, and home o ces, simple yet impactful actions can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Here are some eco-friendly practices all of us can adopt in clinics or o ce spaces:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Minimize paper usage by opting for digital documents and utilizing double-sided printing.

• Set up designated recycling bins for paper, plastics, and other recyclable materials.

• Reuse o ce supplies such as folders, envelopes, and containers.

Energy Conservation

• Turn o lights and machines when not in use, including overnight.

• Utilize natural light when possible and adjust o ce lighting to energy-e cient settings.

• Unplug chargers and other devices once fully charged to prevent them from consuming unecessary energy.

Water Conservation

• Report and promptly repair leaks or dripping faucets.

• Encourage the use of re llable water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones.

• Implement water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and low- ow toilets.

Sustainable Practices

• Choose eco-friendly o ce supplies made from recycled materials or those with minimal packaging.

• Opt for digital communication methods like emails and video conferences to reduce the need for paper and transportation.

• Support local and sustainable businesses for o ce-related purchases whenever feasible.

By integrating these practices into our daily routines, we contribute to a healthier environment and inspire others to do the same. So, let's embrace our responsibility and celebrate the Earth on this day, and every day, taking small steps to better our beautiful home.

Billing Blog

Rejections vs. Denials

By Tracy Laramore, Billing Representative

One of the rst things I learned when transitioning from a PSC to a Billing Representative was that there is a di erence between a claim rejection and a claim denial. I used to think these two terms were interchangeable. It turns out, they are not!

Rejection:

A rejection happens before the claim is processed and is usually due to incorrect information. Either the clearinghouse (think of this as a claims post o ce) or the payer stops the claim from entering their processing system. This gives PTSMC the chance to make corrections and then send the claims back to be processed, usually as an original claim.

Reasons for rejections include having incorrect patient demographics such as:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Zip code

Rejections also occur due to inaccurate date of injury or the claim being attached to the wrong payer ID or billing address.

Denial:

A denial happens after the claim has been entered into the payer’s system. It gets processed then denied. Both the member and provider will receive an Explanation of Bene ts (EOB) indicating the reason for the denial. The most common denials encountered at PTSMC are:

• Coordination of bene ts

• Inactive insurance coverage

• No authorization

• Timely ling

• Diagnosis code/billing errors

To get denied claims reprocessed, we either need to call the insurance company, resubmit a corrected claim, or le a dispute or appeal.

Knowing the di erence can help when faced with billing issues in your clinic. As always, please reach out to the PTSMC Billing Team for assistance when needed- Tracy Laramore (Tracy.Laramore@ptsmc.com) or Jenn Detlefsen (Jennifer.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com).