JANUARY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Emma Hart Clinical Assessment Tool: Dynamic Leap and Balance Test
WELCOME 2021!
Money Beat by Jim Hungerford Student Loan Debt Update and Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid
I had been working on a different version of my PULSE article, one that reflected on 2020. In that article I started with, “I can honestly say that the year was not what I (or anyone) anticipated in January. I had been looking forward to our 20th anniversary year with plans for growth and celebration.” My original article was a personal deep-dive into the challenges, the lessons and the “gifts” of 2020 and then two things happened. First, I realized this was the first PULSE column of 2021, and I wanted to shift my focus to the promises of a new year. Then, as if my mind had been read, I received a picture. One of PTSMC’s physical therapists sent an email with the title “Super-Human.” Of course, I was incredibly curious, so I opened the email to find a photo that showed a “Super-Human Power Face” and an exposed shoulder with a tiny Band-Aid affixed. BOOM! One of our own was just vaccinated! When we had been notified by the State of Connecticut that clinicians would be prioritized in the VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management System) on December 22nd, I didn’t think an injection would be given the next morning! Thank you Danielle Butsch, Director of PTSMC Lock Street, for sharing and being our first! The plan is for all PTSMC clinical staff to be offered the vaccine. See article below regarding the State’s guidelines. As an organization, PTSMC was challenged to our core in 2020 and we survived, and so I want to honor and celebrate how you all stepped up to deliver on our mission in extraordinarily adverse conditions. You shined in the darkest of times. Your courage and commitment proved that who we are and what we do has great meaning and value. I am very proud and humbled to be part of this group of people.
Congratulations to our new auditor, Alyssa Griffo! HR Buzz Wellness Program Lifebeat - S.M.A.R.T. in 2021 Wellness Incentives - Physicals Wellness Calendar Ugly Sweater Contest Photos & Winner And now, suddenly, the end of COVID-19 is real. The only thing I can think about in this moment is looking forward. I look forward to a time Food Drive Photos & Results when a global pandemic is defeated by modern medicine. I look forward to a time when every headline isn’t about people dying because of this disease. I look forward to enjoying “simple” things I will never take for granted again.
StriveHub Fab 5
As we welcome 2021, I know the “COVID era” has not ended. We all need to remain committed to the personal and professional steps we have taken to keep us as safe as possible for a little while longer. As we keep our guard up, time is on our side. I am starting this year with renewed hope and confidence. I am hopeful we have embarked on a course that will end COVID-19 and I am confident that my “PTSMC family” will thrive and prosper in the year ahead. Thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!
Alan
COVID-19 Vaccination process BEGINS! On December 22nd, PTSMC uploaded the first wave of employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Below are the guidelines we will be following as dictated by the Connecticut Department of Health. Due to scarce supply, we are asking you to upload rosters in three waves. It is at your discretion and judgement to tier your rosters in the following way:
Patient Trends New Patients per Month
1. First Phase 1a wave: Highest risk of exposure to COVID+ patients, generally between 0-30% of a healthcare organization’s workforce. For instance, extended close contact with individuals in enclosed spaces or close contact with individuals who cannot wear a mask 2. Second Phase 1a wave: Regular patient or infectious material exposure but less risk of exposure to COVID than high risk group – generally between 0-50% of a healthcare organizations workforce. For instance, regular but brief contact often in a larger space with ability to maintain distance; masking preserved ~ awaiting confirmation of when to upload. 3. Third Phase 1a wave: All others with potential for direct or indirect exposure to COVID – between 25-100% of a healthcare organization’s workforce ~ awaiting confirmation of when to upload.
Visits per Month
Orange = Budgeted | Blue = Actual
“Kasey (Adinolfi) is very knowledgeable and has been very helpful with my therapy. With the COVID Pandemic, I have seen her and her staff taking extra precautions to keep the place safe. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs PT.” - Wethersfield “I appreciated the individualized care by well-trained professionals. I could see that the staff worked well together and that their primary concern was the patients. The staff was pleasant, knew my name after my first visit, and were always willing to answer questions or offer assistance. Great experience.” - New Milford “My physical therapist, Meghan (Blanusa), is awesome! She pushes me to strengthen my arm, but not too much. She and the other staff that help with the heat/ice and to guide through my exercises are friendly and knowledgeable. A great place to have physical therapy. Highly recommend it.” - Naugatuck “Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. I did not think I could possibly see any improvement from how bad of shape I was in but I feel so much better after only a month or two of visits.” - Groton “Nick (Almonte) has a great way of explaining the science behind the pain you are experiencing. He is very personable and super friendly. I would recommend him and the Orange office to anyone who needs PT.” - Orange