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Most in South Carolina will be able to renew health policies
The State
Most of the thousands of South Carolinians who got cancellation notices about their health insurance policies in recent months will get a chance to renew those policies for another year. The policies were canceled because they didn't meet requirements of the Affordable Care Act. But recent changes in the implementation of the law gave insurance companies the option to continue those noncompliant policies for a year.
CMS issues final 2014 physician fee schedule rule
PT in Motion
The final 2014 Medicare physician fee schedule rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sets the therapy cap amount on outpatient services at $1,920. In addition, the rule announces a 20.1 percent reduction in Medicare payment rates for physical therapists, physicians and other healthcare professionals — a cut linked to the flawed sustainable growth rate formula being discussed in Congress. The new rule also updates payment amounts for physical therapists, physicians and other healthcare professionals, makes changes to the Physician Quality Reporting System and revises other payment policies.
A new approach to physical rehab — in video game form
WCBS-TV
Video games are hot items on Christmas lists this and every year but not just for children — the majority of gamers are now over 36. And as CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez reported recently, video games are for more than just recreation. They are now revolutionizing rehabilitation and physical therapy.
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Effects of physical therapy treatment: 20 minutes?
In Touch Physical Therapy
What if I told you that the neurophysiological effects of manual therapy are only 15-20 minutes. Meaning, 20 minutes at the max, no more. Surprising? What if I then told you that the same effects from our modalities — ultrasound, heat, laser, etc. — the ones we use for comfort but know there is no evidence of effectiveness, yield the same length of relief? Believe it or not, it's true.
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No-shows: The bane of a therapist's existence
By Heidi Dawson
Anyone who works with members of the public on an individual appointment basis will understand what is meant by the title of this article. Unfortunately, this is no exaggeration and something that happens on a regular basis to therapists worldwide, myself included. I regularly have conversations with reliable clients, therapists and friends about the best way to tackle this problem. There are differing thoughts and opinions regarding the best way to reduce the impact this has on your business, so I thought I would explain some of the options and downfalls when it comes to addressing late cancellations and no-shows.
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5 things to consider to improve patient compliance
PutMeBackTogether.com
Erson Religioso, III writes, "Yes, I still call it patient compliance because I do not think there is a negative connotation to it. Whatever you call it though, it is paramount that your patient has it if they want to get better and stay better. Without further ado, here are five things to consider to improve patient compliance."
Multiple sclerosis, physical activity and self-efficacy
Journal of the Americam Physical Therapy Association
According to the literature, people with multiple sclerosis, as a group, are sedentary and inactive compared with the general population. What variables explain this inactivity? In their longitudinal study, "Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity and Its Correlates in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis," Robert Motl and colleagues found that, in people with relapsing-remitting MS, the primary predictor of change in long-term patterns of physical activity was change in self-efficacy rather than commonly cited factors such as fatigue, depression or pain. In this podcast, lead author Motl, clinical expert Anne McCarthy Jacobson and moderator Kathleen Gill-Body discuss the clinical implications of these findings and the challenges and the feasibility of teaching self-efficacy in this patient population.
Why your EMR should tailor to physical therapy, not meaningful use
By Brooke Andrus
 If you're in the market for an electronic medical record program, you already know there are tons of options out there. And as a savvy shopper, you're probably trying to whittle down your list of "maybes" to a few "very likely" candidates before you have to make a final decision. With features galore, it might be tough to figure out which ones will be most beneficial to you and your practice. And on top of that, some EMRs are certified for a particular purpose, such as meaningful use.
Missed last week's issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.
Webinar: 'Physical Therapy and PQRS in 2014 — How to Report Successfully'
APTA
Join Heather Snith from 2-3 p.m. EDT Dec. 19 for "Physical Therapy and PQRS in 2014 — How to Report Successfully," a webinar. This session will provide what you need to know about the physician quality reporting system for 2014, including program changes impacting physical therapists and provide practical approaches for participating. During the Q & A session following the presentation, you may ask your questions directly to the experts.
Aquatic therapy relieves the pain associated with lymphedema
Advance for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine
Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Fla., prides itself on its lymphedema program. The physical therapy team there is taking rehab to the next level by bringing patients into the pool. Aquatic therapy is a natural fit for lymphedema patients. As Kelly Raymond explained, "If you have the luxury of having a pool it's really going to benefit the patient. Water is exceptionally successful because it provides natural cushion to support the body." The hydrostatic pressure provided by the water provides weight relief and gentle pressure on all sides of the body. Natural compressive forces are helpful in reducing swelling.
New app offers individualized physical therapy
Dallas Business Journal
A new app has hit the market and intends to revolutionize the world of physical therapy. The app — PT Pal — stores, schedules and tracks patients' individualized physical therapy exercises in a way that is intuitive and also tracks compliance with physicians', chiropractors' and other healthcare providers' orders or recommendations. The app offers pictures, diagrams and audio/video to help physical therapy participants get the exercises right.
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The SCAPTA 2014 Annual Conference is coming! Check out the incredible selection of courses.
