Save the Date!

Our next annual meeting will be held on Saturday, October 16^th at Carroll County Community College.

Track 1: Clinical Predictors of Results
Track 2: Cancer Rehabilitation Implications on Physical Therapy
Track 3: Geriatrics - Balance and Falls

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS- Poster Presentations

PTs and PTAs, including physical therapy students, are invited to submit abstracts for research, theory, or special interest for poster display at the meeting. Download the instructions and application.

Abstract submissions can be sent to: aptamd@aptamd.org or Fax: 410/695-6127.

The deadline for abstract submissions is Friday, August 20, 2010. Applicants will receive e-mail confirmation of acceptance by September 17, 2010.

APTA of Maryland 2009 Fall Annual Meeting and Student Conclave

October 10, 2009
Anne Arundel Community College  
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD   

Track 1: Osteoporosis 
Track 2: Provider Contracting: Negotiating with insurance companies  

And NEW this year were set times and space for scheduled interviews throughout the afternoon. The Conclave is prepared through a special committee of student and APTA of Maryland leadership.

Business Meeting
All APTA of Maryland members are invited to attend our semi-annual
business meeting where you can vote on proposed leadership, vote on
proposed bylaw amendments, and participate in other business.

Fall Conference Tracks

Track 1: Osteoporosis

Course Description: Over half of all people over age 50 are at risk for bone density problems including osteoporosis and osteopenia. The prevalence of osteoporosis in our society is expected to increase dramatically as the baby boomers age. In addition to post-menopausal osteoporosis, physical therapists often encounter the effects of osteoporosis in patients after a CVA, prolonged immobilization or period of limited weight bearing. We are in unique position, not only to treat the effects of osteoporosis, but also to teach prevention strategies. No matter what your work setting, this evidence- based course will teach you how to implement the best practice patterns for your patients with osteoporosis and for those at risk for developing it in the future. You will also learn to recognize the risk factors and early warning signs that may indicate undiagnosed osteoporosis so that you can refer the patient for appropriate evaluation and follow osteoporetic precautions in your care of these patients.  

Course objectives: At the completion of the course the clinician will be able to:

• Understand osteoporosis and osteopenia and their etiology
• Describe osteoporosis prevention techniques 
• Identify those patients at risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis and refer them to appropriate health care providers
• Implement a program of treatment based on the best evidence available 
• Teach and safely progress exercises while teaching osteoporetic patients to avoid high-risk activities
• Implement an osteoporosis program in a variety of settings including out patient, acute care, in-patient rehab, long-term care and home health
• Provide appropriate documentation for such services 
• Set treatment goals for patients with osteoporosis

Course Handouts

• I just had a Bone Density Test and the report stated I have Osteopenia. What does that mean and what should I do about it?

Educational Credit
This continuing education program meets the criteria established by the Maryland PT Board of Examiners for six contact hours (0.6 CEUs).

Speaker Bio Lorraine O’Neill, PT completed her B.S. in PT in 1979 at Russell Sage College/Albany Medical School. In 2006, she received her DScPT from the University of Maryland-Baltimore, graduating Phi Kappa Phi. Her final project was an evidence-based program for the treatment of osteoporosis. Her interest in women’s health issues began at a continuing education course on incontinence in 1992 and has expanded into a range of other areas since that time. O'Neill is the owner of O’Neill Physical Therapy in Hagerstown, Maryland. She has taught continuing education courses throughout the Mid Atlantic region. In addition to courses on treating people with osteoporosis she teaches a holistic approach to treating people with fibromyalgia and physical therapy intervention for patients with urinary incontinence.

Track 2: Provider Contracting: Negotiating with insurance companies  

Speakers: Carmen Elliott and Eric van Doorne  

Course Description: Clinicians and business office managers must be able to determine if the terms of a contract with a payer are sufficient to meet the needs of a business. This course will include information pertaining to obtaining third party contracts and evaluation of contract language. Attendees will learn what to look for before signing contracts, what terms are negotiable, and how specific language will impact your business. In addition, this presentation will review how to avoid signing contracts that are not aligned with your business goals.  

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you'll be able to:

• Interpret important aspects of contract language.
• Understand what is negotiable and what is not in contractual language.
• Identify the boundaries and limits of negotiating with insurance companies.
• Identify deal breakers in contract language.
• Assess your current contracts and future contracts for pertinent language.

Speaker Information
Carmen Elliott, MS is an Associate Director with the Payment Policy & Advocacy unit at American Physical Therapy Association. Her primary responsibilities at APTA include communication with members about reimbursement issues, including physical therapy coverage, payment, coding, managed care contracting, workers compensation and auto liability coverage. She also assists in coordination of activities between the Component Reimbursement Chairs and the Payment Policy unit. Prior to joining APTA in September 2006, Carmen was a Practice Administrator for a large physical therapy practice in Southern Maryland, in which she oversaw the daily operations of 5 outpatient PT clinics. She also worked as a Network Development Specialist for a Managed Care Organization in which she was in charge of developing a provider network and contracting with providers in the Southern Maryland region. Carmen received her BS degree in Biology from Bowie State University, Bowie, MD and a MS degree in Health Care Management from Marymount University, Arlington, VA.  

Erik van Doorne, PT, DPT is the Senior Director of Payment Policy and Advocacy of the American Physical Therapy Association in Alexandria, VA. This department is responsible for federal payment policy and advocacy as well as private payment policy and advocacy. The federal payment policy includes Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP and the private side includes all commercial payers, motor vehicle and workers compensation insurers. Before joining APTA Erik was the owner of a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware specializing in conservative spinal management and manual therapy. Erik has a doctorate from Simmons College in Boston and has experience in payment policy, contract and payor negotiations, coding and billing and practice management.  

Educational Credit
This continuing education program meets the criteria established by the Maryland PT Board of Examiners for three contact hours (0.3 CEUs).

Thank you to our Exhibitors!

APTA Pediatric Section
Barral Institute
BillingMD, Inc.
BTL Industries
EDUCATA
FA Davis
Futre Care Rehab
Genesis Rehab Services
Gentiva Health Services
HCR ManorCare
Johns Hopkins Medicine
NovaCare Rehabilitation
Maryland General Hospital
Onward Healthcare
Peninsula Regional Medical Center
Peoplefirst Rehabilitation
RehabCare
Rehab Management Inc.
Restorative Therapies Inc
Slack Publishing
Special Olympics
St. Mary’s Hospital
Sun Bridge Rehabilitation
Supplemental HealthCare
Union Memorial
University of Maryland Medical Center