June 2024 PULSE

JUNE 2024

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR Sometime this month some of you are going to wonder “what was Alan thinking when PTSMC made the decision to move to Prompt?” I am cautiously optimistic that your thoughts and words will not be laden with expletives!

Please be gentle!

One of our realities at PTSMC, and for other healthcare providers, is the administrative burden of dealing with insurance companies. The amount of time and effort spent chasing forms and getting approvals to provide care is bordering on insanity.

As an organization, we are looking for help through technology. We believe Prompt is a better solution than WebPT. The less time our people spend on administrative tasks the better!

The ultimate reason for this transition is to improve the quality of life for our people and those we serve. Change is always a challenge. We all find comfort in doing what we know. No doubt there will be discomfort in the month of June as we transition to Prompt and bring our Billing & Collections in-house.

However, I believe that challenges bring people together. I am already seeing it formally and informally. The Super User teams have been meeting with our Success Manager, and it is clear the work and preparation is getting done.

In talking with partners and directors, opportunities for staff to collaborate and prepare are being established. The Champion team is giving input in the direction of workflow on clinical documentation and communication within the EMR. The CORE team meets weekly to review our current operations and anticipate, prepare and communicate how things will change. Opportunities to train and discuss have been made available to clinicians and front desk staff by Melissa Boutagy, Stevie Fell, Kelly Cozzolino, McKenzie Daniels, Amanda Leiss, and Michael Sousa.

It is my hope that the next few months will create unprecedented opportunities for our people to collaborate, learn and grow... and decrease the administrative burden we are currently experiencing daily.

I sincerely believe that the short-term pain will be well worth the long-term gain for our people and, those we serve!

Thanks for all you do!

TIMELINE Week Of June 3 • Post signs Informing Patients of EMR Transition

coming • PTSMC Users complete assigned training • Verify integrity of data migration • Front Desk collect on WebPT balances for credit card customers • All clinicians’ schedules created • Clinician Library template customization continue to be created and modified through out

June 10 • Post signs Informing Patients of EMR Transition

happening • Verify integrity of FINAL data migration • Any news, visits, cancels, no shows added AFTER data migration for 6/7 forward must be added to Prompt • Payer rules will be created in Prompt by PTSMC Billing team • Front Desk collect on WebPT balances for credit card customers for DOS up to 6/15 • Medicare cap amounts copied over from WebPT Fax service transitioning on June 10 from KNO2 to SR-Fax • Flowsheet exercises created and favorited • Clinicians begin PRE-Charting, include MCR & MedAdv dates • Prepare new credit card devices, test and be ready for switch out

IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Alyssa Griffo, East Hampton Assistant Director The Role of Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women Congratulations new CMTPT clinicians!

Apply for PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program Employee Spotlight: Janet Tarasuk, Practice Liaison DEI: What Does Pride Mean to You?

By Marilex Santiago LifeBeat: Connecting with Kids Money Beat: Energy Tax Credits

By Jim Hungerford BRAGs

June 17 • Switch out credit card devices ~ ONLY Prompt

transactions moving forward • Go Live! Clinicians will document and checkout patient visits

June 24 • WebPT documentation completed by 7:00 am 6/25

• Front Desk balancing of WebPT News & Visits by 7:00 am 6/26 • Front Desk complete CLCX through 6/14 • CAD reports for QRC will be run 6/28

Alan

PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency Program Accreditation Renewed for 10 Years!

In May of 2024, the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) renewed PTSMC’s accreditation for 10 more years!

Check out Page 3 for information on applying for the Orthopaedic Residency Program.

You’re invited to a company-wide family event at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Game on

Sunday, September 8th at 1:10pm.

Tickets, food and beverages provided for PTSMC employees & family in the Picnic Pavilion of Dunkin’ Park.

More information coming soon via email. RSVP required.

CLINICIAN’S CORNER The Role of Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women Alyssa Griffo, PT, DPT, CSCS Assistant Director at PTSMC East Hampton The pelvic floor is often described as a hammock, as it is a group of muscles that are shaped like a bowl at the bottom of your torso. They stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone and support the major organs that sit right above it. It is capable of generating and controlling intra-abdominal pressure with other muscles surrounding the abdominal cavity. Just like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor can develop hypertonicity, hypotonicity, weakness, and pain.

effective treatment in addressing the common co-existing conditions of pelvic floor muscle pain and increased muscle tone. Despite having a high success rate of decrease symptoms and improving quality of life for many individuals, there is little high-quality research to help support. There are currently no gold standards for PFPT research regarding modalities, therapy session length, frequency, duration and intensity. This area is still under-investigated and not integrated at a sufficient level into research, education and clinical practice.

PFPT is a crucial component in a multi-disciplinary approach to decrease pain and improve quality of life.

References:

1. Brandt C. Physiotherapy and pelvic floor health within a contemporary biopsychosocial model of care: From research to education and clinical practice. South African Journal of Physiotherapy. 2021;77(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v77i1.1538 2. Wallace SL, Miller LD, Mishra K. Pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2019;31(6):485-493. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gco.0000000000000584 3. Bittelbrunn CC, de Fraga R, Martins C, et al. Pelvic floor physical therapy and mindfulness: approaches for chronic pelvic pain in women—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published online April 6, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-022-06514-3 4. van Reijn-Baggen DA, Han-Geurts IJM, Voorham-van der Zalm PJ, Pelger RCM, Hagenaars-van Miert CHAC, Laan ETM. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity: A Systematic Review of Treatment Efficacy. Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2021;10(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.03.002 5. Schubert R, Song S, Everist R, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Abbott J. The impact of multimodal physiotherapy in an interdisciplinary setting for the management of women with persistent pelvic pain and pelvic floor tension myalgia. European Journal of Physiotherapy.

Published online March 16, 2023:1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2023.2188901

Pelvic floor dysfunction is defined as abnormal function of the contractile tissue, causing inability of relaxing and/or integrating the pelvic muscles appropriately. Pelvic floor conditions can have significant adverse impacts on a woman’s quality of life, including urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, peri-partum and post-partum dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and chronic pelvic pain syndromes, like endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Persistent pelvic pain (PPP) is defined as continuous or recurrent pain in the pelvis for 6 months or more that affects function and decreases quality of life.

PPP is an individual and systemic healthcare burden, with approximately $6 billion direct costs per year related to medical and surgical treatments. PPP is a complex condition with multiple etiologies and interrelationships of biological, psychological and social factors.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is considered a first-line treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. It is a low-risk therapy designed to improve pelvic floor muscle length, strength, endurance, power, and relaxation. PFPT is an

CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB All meetings are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS. Upcoming CD dates: 06/04, 07/09 Upcoming JC dates: 06/18, 07/23 Go to the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder for CD & JC 2024 information.

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

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses

Congratulations new CMTPT clinicians!

SPONSORED COURSES Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete August 3-4, 2024 Instructed by ICE at Taft School in Watertown

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

INTERNAL COURSE Lower Extremity November 2, 2024 at PTSMC Wallingford instructed by Melissa Boutagy, PT, DPT, OCS *DOCS Program Requirement Visit the ERC Clinical Excellence folder for all future course information.

Congratulations to the following clinicians who completed Myopain Seminars’ Dry Needling Course to become Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists. Pictured from left to right.

Back Row: Zack Currie, Guilford Dave Plonsky, Guilford Jeff Panepento, New Milford Shawn Nash, Avon Instructor Mike McGowan, Windsor

Back Row: Conner Gavin, Groton Bri Boulerice, Waterbury Elena Masiello, Wallingford Sean Doenias, Newington

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

Click here to access the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder.

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

APPLY FOR

We are excited to welcome the following students starting in June!

Alivia Celentano (SHU) will be working with Amy Demers in Branford beginning 6/10.

Emily Claros (Franklin Pierce) will be with Matt Baronowski in Bristol beginning 6/3.

Tyler Eisenhardt (SHU)will be working with Andrew Kalach in Fairfield beginning 6/17.

Michelle Perea from Boston University will be with Mario Paredes in Orange beginning 6/3.

Will you have a student in your clinic during the PROMPT transition?

Keep an eye out for details regarding training tailored specifically for students. The plan is to roll out student training in early June to give students plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the new platform before 6/17. Questions? Reach out to Juliann Chacko, Student Program Director (Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com).

Learn more and apply online at: www.ptsmc.com/residency *Deadline to apply is July 30, 2024* Applicants are evaluated on the following: • Curriculum Vitae/Resume • Personal Essay Statement • Interview with faculty • Two Professional letters of recommendation from faculty and/or work managers (Relationship of recommenders to you must be in a supervisory capacity) ***Applicants must have a valid PT license prior to the start of the residency program***

HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES

New Employees

Victoria Adler Windsor PT Aide

Annabelle Bastura Putnam PT Aide

Aries Bell Guilford PT Aide

Razina Bhura Admin Intern

Makenna Capalbo Simsbury Physical Therapist

Emerson Colwell Essex PT Aide

John Demitrus Director of Marketing

Sean Desjardins Watertown PT Aide

Sjodin Fedikovich New London PT Aide

Meghan Ferri Fairfield PT Aide

Vladimir Francois Accounts Receivable Representative

Thatcher Gorman Essex PT AIde

Ryan Granito Shelton PT AIde

Alexandra Lamontagne Groton Physical Therapist Assistant

Brendan Law Southbury Physical Therapist

Lori Lawson Admin Senior Virtual Operations Coordinator

Dorothy Madancy Plainville PT AIde

Hayley Murnick Fairfield PT AIde

Kaitlyn Parri Essex PT AIde

Jason McGowan Wethersfield PT AIde

Welcome Back

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

New Employees

ATHLETIC TRAINER Essex Middletown

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Suhani Patel Westbrook Physical Therapist

Kevin Pelletier Bristol Physical Therapist Assistant

Steven Peterson Simsbury PT Aide

Kaitlin Ryan Plainville PT Aide

Jocelyne Sandoval Fairfield Patient Care Coordinator

Ashley Sawyer Virtual Patient Services Coordinator

Alice Scalmani New Haven PT Aide

Emily Steele Wethersfield Physical Therapist

Welcome Back

Welcome Back

Not Pictured

Scott Testori Essex PT Aide

Kiana Truong Admin Intern

Audrey Zawadzki Wallingford PT Aide

Morgan Dodge, Watertown PT Aide Hayden Eldridge, Guilford PT Aide Ryleigh Hall, Plainville PT Aide Anthony Latney, Windsor PT Aide Abigail Maynard, New London PT Aide Keegan Rybacki, Putnam PT Aide Kiley Yepes, Plainville PT Aide

Branford East Hampton Groton Guilford Lock St New Haven New London New Milford Newington Plainville Shelton Southbury Wallingford Windsor

PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Westbrook

PT AIDE

Danbury Danielson Groton Guilford Middletown Putnam Westbrook Windsor

ADMIN POSITIONS IT Technician

Check PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share!

Call Karen or email at Karen.Havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.

e

loye p m E

SPOT LIGHT

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Janet Tarasuk

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

Practice Liaison

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture and Engagement Janet Tarasuk came to PTSMC in 2018, and she brought the most contagious positive attitude and unmatched energy! She stepped into what was a brand-new role at PTSMC, Practice Liaison (PL). She says the simplest way to explain what a Practice Liaison does is, “Someone who is the connection between providers and clinicians- the bridge- to develop referral relationships.”

Janet had been in print media advertising sales for a long time before PTSMC. She has a degree in sociology and black studies from Gettysburg College and had always wanted to somehow be connected to athletics. Finding the PL job feels full circle for her for that reason!

The PL role found Janet in a cool way. She was ready to switch from part-time to full-time and looking to change from the 24/7 on-call life of a sales account executive. Janet’s friend had interviewed for the PL job and contacted Janet to tell her that she would great at this role and the company (PTSMC) seemed right up Janet’s alley… and the rest is history!

The PLs started out as a team of two, Danielle Butsch (Lock Street Director) and Janet. Janet says they were a great pair for the start of this position because they each brought different strengths to the table- Danielle’s clinical background and Janet’s sales background.

The PLs are now a team of three, and they manage the clinics based on regions (shout out to her teammates, Heather Feiner and Chris Colley). Janet is responsible for the “Greater Hartford” area, supporting the provider relations for 10 clinics. Janet’s favorite part of her role is helping the partners and directors develop their clinics through the relationships she cultivates. She explains that being out and interacting with our people, the providers, and the providers’ staff brings her joy!

Personal Story Janet grew up in Brooklyn, CT. She moved to Avon when she was 10 and now lives in West Hartford with her husband Paul and two kids, Ellery (18) and Cameron (16).

Janet gushes about how AWESOME her kids are. She has had so much fun watching them grow up, being involved in their schools, and being the BIGGEST fan of their sports teams.

Janet has a passion for fashion, people, food, concerts and travel. She loves putting a great outfit together and especially loves chunky jewelry. Her husband is a chef, so she is spoiled with awesome food. She always looks for ways to get outdoors and loves a good outdoor concert.

If you’re looking for a great travel companion, Janet is in!

She’s a top-notch participant and loves exploring somewhere new- just don’t ask her to be your planner And of course, Janet loves to be surrounded by peoplepeople inspire her and give her that energy she never seems to run out of!

😊

Janet is super active. Running is her favorite activity both for fun and health. She ran cross country in college and still loves running, especially with her dog Georgia. What she likes most about it is that it requires very little (you can just put on sneakers and go) and the mental and physical health benefits that it gives her – it’s her go to stress relief.

Janet also was a running coach for Girls in Stride. The middle school-aged girls would tell her they “hated running.” Janet always said, “Oh no, you will love it by the time you are done with me!” And the majority did!

Janet has a group of friends that she runs team races with, including 95-mile team races! They start at 4:30 AM, and a van drives the team members to the exchange points throughout the day. This is their 4th year taking on this challenge together, and they are prepping for the “Reach the Beach” Ragnar Race in September (from NH to CT).

Janet, Paul and the kids are looking forward to their annual family vacation to Ocean City, NJ. Janet and Paul are also hoping to take the kids back to Aruba in the future.

You can always catch the Tarasuks at beaches for vacations.

Being out by the ocean makes their family happiest.

FUN FACT!

Janet loves craft beers! Her current favorite is Kent Falls, Superscript.

Aarohi Patel

Patient Care Avon Coordinator Dan Vala Physical Therapist Middletown Sam Guay Billing Representative Admin Jeff Sheridan Injury Prevention Admin Specialist Kathleen Dyrkacz PT Aide Middletown Daniel Scott Physical Therapist Orange Assistant Katherine Fan Physical Therapist Shelton Jack O'Donnell PT Aide Watertown Sam Compell Patient Services New Haven Coordinator Cody Filingeri Physical Therapist Avon Jules Lusk Physical Therapist Essex Nathan Gockel Physical Therapist Plainville Madison Stabile Physical Therapist Westbrook Steven Dale Athletic Trainer Guilford

Pauline White

PSC & Medical Reports Coordinator Christina Swan Director Dave Domkowski PT Aide

East Hampton/ Admin Newington Orange

Bryan O'Neill

Partner

New Milford

Peter Cambi Kristin Gilbey Brian Vo

Partner Physical Therapist Partner

Southington Avon Windsor

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT CONNECTING WITH KIDS

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

What does Pride mean to you?

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader As we embrace the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Pride Month, it's essential to reflect on the diverse meanings and significance this celebration holds for each of us. At PTSMC, we believe in the power of community and the importance of honoring the unique identities that make each of us who we are. Pride Month is more than just a time of celebration; it's a moment to recognize the progress we've made, the challenges we continue to face, and the strength found in unity and diversity.

Meaningful conversations and connections with younger people are equally important as they are challenging, especially with the hurdle of today’s digital world.

Here are some open-ended, developmentally appropriate questions to get you started making those meaningful connections. In these conversations, it is crucial to stay curious and non-judgmental.

Children Under 10 What’s something you’re good at?

Helping kids identify something they’re good at is a great way to boost their self-esteem.

Would you rather be super big, like an elephant, or super small, like an ant? Why? Asking fantastical questions helps support your child’s imagination.

What is something that makes you sad?

Asking about feelings can help encourage self-awareness and normalize everyday experiences.

Pre-teens (10-12) What is something that makes you feel proud of yourself?

Reflecting on a point of pride, whether it involves a skill, a successful project or a personal attribute can help build confidence.

What is something you have learned recently?

Helping kids to recall and share can aid in boosting communication skills and articulation.

What qualities do you look for in friends?

Encouraging critical thinking promotes self-awareness. Asking about qualities encourages making good choices.

Teens (13+) How do you handle tough situations?

Normalizing challenges and talking through how to manage difficult emotions reduces shame and promotes healthy problem-solving.

What is something you are grateful for?

Focusing on gratitude promotes positivity and helps build empathy for others as well as resilience.

What advice would you give someone else?

Asking for a teen's perspective sends the message that they are trusted to have their own opinions and have a valuable perspective to share.

To capture the essence of Pride, we reached out to our employees, asking them: "What does Pride mean to you?" Their heartfelt responses offer a glimpse into the personal journeys, values, perspectives, and hopes that define a collective experience.

“For me, Pride is a time of celebration and gratitude. I'm grateful for all the people who fought for the rights and laws that allow us to live openly. It's a time to celebrate how far we've come and enjoy because it is not guaranteed to stay this way.”

-Danielle Butsch, Lock Street Director “To me, PRIDE means being able to be 100% myself in all aspects of my life. This was not always the case, and I am proud, grateful, and happy to be where I am today. We all have our own unique journeys, and I wish everyone this pride and happiness.”

-Kasey Adinolfi, Wethersfield Partner “PRIDE means being surrounded by a community that you are safe in and that sees you as you. Pride provides an environment for me and my wife to exist in as our authentic selves without fear of hate, judgement, or harm (physically or mentally). It brings people together who show compassion, love, support, and provides space for you to live fully in.”

-Miranda Jasienowski, Groton Physical Therapist “Pride to me means more than just being yourself; it means the freedom to express yourself, to live without fear or harm and to celebrate the joy that love brings. Pride is a community, and one that supports each individual member in their own special ways.

Whether you're ace, trans, bisexual, or anything that falls under the umbrella, Pride is about loving yourself and everyone else letting you know you're loved too! It means so much to me, and even for people who aren't members of the LGBTQIA+ themselves, it's a celebration to let the world know we're here and we're never going away.” -Natalie Gurski, New Milford PT Aide “Pride to me is a symbol of inclusivity. It is a celebration of everyone's individualities and love and support for each other as people.” -Christina Swan, Newington Director “People coming together.” -Melissa Boutagy, Guilford PT and Clinical Compliance Officer “Pride to me means celebrating love and life. Whether you're in the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, it's just a time of happiness and people coming together to celebrate loving another!” -Stevie Fell, Customer Experience Coordinator “Pride to me is a time to reflect and celebrate all that has been done for LGBTQ+ rights and for all the work that is still ongoing. It’s being surrounded by a community of people who choose love. Who we love is our choice and is a beautiful thing to be celebrated. Pride is being proud of who were born to be, especially in the face of those who don’t agree. It is a time to remember that being an ally is important and needed as there is more work to do to create true equality.” -Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader and Administrative Coordinator

PTSMC Happenings!

Meghan Blanusa and Sam McMullen instructed an internal course for PTSMC ATs with a focus on running form, footwear modifications and rehab techniques.

The Practice Liaisons: Chris Colley, Janet Tarasuk, and Heather Feiner attended the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting.

West Hartford celebrated 5 years in May!

Shelton enjoyed a staff outing on the Elm City Party Bike.

Putnam and Danielson stretched runners out at two events this month.

Left was the Jog with Judy 5k and right was the Daffodil Festival 5k.

Wreaths Across America shared Danielson PT Lisa Guilbault on their Facebook page to thank the Danielson team for the shoe drive.

Newington sponsored and stretched runners out at the Newington Library 5k. Pictured: Janet Tarasuk, Christina Swan and Agata Sarna.

2024 MARCH MADNESS WINNERS! Congratulations to Southbury and Southington for winning the 2024 March Madness brackets. They each won staff lunch as the prize!

Southbury won a staff lunch for winning the Southbury 2024 March Madness bracket.

(Women’s Tournament Winner)

Southington (Men’s Tournament Winner)

Wallingford enjoyed a staff outing to Haven Beer Company in Hamden.

Did you miss the May monthly video?

May was Mental Health Awareness Month. Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement, shared the mental health resources that PTSMC has made available for employees and where you can access them.

There will be no monthly video in June.

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS Brian Vo, Windsor Partner, and Jason Smutnick, Windsor PT, completed a TPI course to become TPI Medical 3 Certified. They’re pictured with instructors Dr. Greg Rose and Dr. Mike Voight.

BV JS

Heather Feiner, Practice Liaison, was inducted into the Connecticut Athetlic Trainers’ Association’s Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to the following Danbury PT Aides who were promoted to Patient Care Coordinators: RJ Harkin

Kaylee Siguenza (not pictured)

SIPTA GRADUATES Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Meghan Ferri, Fairfield Drake Fuller, Danielson Natalie Gurski, New Milford Ryleigh Hall, Plainville Eli Hood, West Hartford Steven Peterson, Simsbury Victoria Rasichanh, Bristol Dan Robinson, Shelton

Congrats Grads and New DPT Students!

StriveHub Fab 5 “The entire staff at PTSMC Naugatuck is extremely personable, professional and dedicated to helping every person who comes through the door get better.” - Naugatuck “As I have been going through the early stages of my recovery I have noticed a significant amount of small gains beginning to add up to significant moments of relief from my chronic pain. Amy (Demers) and the team are consistent with their approach to patient care. It’s obvious to me and I also see that same care with the other patients when I am doing my PT. I am confident with the treatment Amy is providing and hopeful for a significant if not full recovery.” - Branford “The care I receive is exceptional.

Rather than continue on with a care plan, the team is open to hearing the issues I have that day and working on my areas of concern.” - Shelton “My physical therapist, Michael (Popolizio) is extremely knowledgeable. He understands sports related injuries and works with me to keep me running!”

- Glastonbury “Love the people and the treatment!! Jacky (Severance) is so wonderful and Rob (Bass) is amazing. Love the dynamic of the room when I’m there and I always feel mentally AND physically great when I leave. A+ !!” - Middletown

Stephanie Capito Fairfiled PT Aide Received Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Sacred Heart University.

Micah Lee Guilford PT Aide Graduated from Quinnipiac University and is attending their DPT program.

Kirsten Reaves Credentialing & Payor Coordinator Received Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Health Sciences and Business from Liberty University.

Jillian Spindel Fairfield PSC Received Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Sacred Heart University.

Mackenzie Anderson, Essex PCC, received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Central CT State University.

Congrats and good luck to the following employees who are starting DPT programs!

John Allen, Newington PCC - UConn DPT Program Celia Debrocke, Newington PT Aide - Tufts DPT Program Samantha Jarry, Essex PCC - University of Hartford Arber Karamanaj, Newington PT Aide - UConn DPT Program Alyssa Pearce, Newington PT Aide - UConn DPT Program

Social Media CATCH UP REEL

Cameron Walton, Danielson Physical Therapist Assistant, filmed a reel on stretches and exercises for people who might have plantar fasciitis.

BLOG POST

ENERGY

By Jim Hungerford, Associate Vice President of Finance

What are energy tax credits?

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act amended two credits available for energy efficient home improvements and residential clean energy equipment so that they last longer and have a greater financial impact.

Much of the billions of energy efficiency and clean energy funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act requires taxpayers to “opt in”, meaning you must claim the credit on your personal return by filing a separate form. A credit helps reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar up to the credit amount.

How do energy tax credits work?

Energy tax credits are incentives offered by the government to encourage citizens to invest in energy-efficient products and services. Credits are typically applied to a taxpayer's income tax liability and thereby can offset the cost of energy-saving improvements, i.e. insulation, windows and doors, solar panel systems, or other qualifying renewable energy sources.

If in 2024, you did or are planning (and completing) the following, you may be able to claim a federal tax credit.

Installation of efficient windows, doors, or insulation in your primary (or other) home

Installation of an EV charger in your primary (or 2nd) home

a. For energy rated exterior windows or skylights, a credit of 30% of the purchase price, up to $600/year. b. For energy rated exterior doors, a credit of 30% of the purchase price or $250/door with a maximum of $500/year. c. Energy rated Central A/C units, natural gas/propane/oil water heaters, furnaces or hot water boilers, and the electrical upgrades needed to support these new systems: $600 credit. d. Insulation and air-sealing materials, $600 credit. e. Home Energy Audit: $150 credit. f. For all improvements combined, maximum annual credit is $1,200. For more information visit the IRS Home Efficiency Page and use IRS Form 5695 to claim.

a. 30% credit of the installed cost, up to $1,000. b. See IRS website for more information and use IRS Form 8911to claim

Purchase of any energy efficient appliances a. Water heaters, heaters, ventilation, air conditioning, and stoves are eligible for 30% of the purchase price, up to $1,200. b. Geothermal heat pumps are eligible for 30% of the purchase price, up to $2,000. c. For more information visit the IRS Home Efficiency Page and use IRS Form 5695 to claim.

Purchase of a used electric vehicle a. Up to $4,000 for an EV 2 or more years old and costing less than $25,000. b. Eligible to single filers earning up to $75,000/yr. or joint filers earning up to $150,000/yr. c. See IRS website for more information and use IRS Form 8936 to claim the credit.

Purchase of a new electric vehicle a. Up to $7,500 for standard vehicles costing under $55,000 or SUVs/Vans costing under $80,000. b. Eligible to single filers earning up to $150,000/yr. or joint filers earning up to $300,000/yr. b. See IRS website for more information and use IRS Form 8936 to claim.

Installation of Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Fuel Cell Energy, or Battery Storage on your home a. Up to 30%, nonrefundable, can be carried forward. b. Batteries must be greater than 3kwh. - See the IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit information page and use IRS Form 5695 to claim.