THE VIRGINIAN
FALL 2011
Jody Gundrum, Editor
In This Issue
President’s Message.............................. 4
VPTA Sends Over 50 Members to
Lobby on PT Day on Capitol Hill!
Direct Access in the
Real World.......................................... 7-9
What’s Happening
in Your District................................. 10-11
Annual Conference:
More Choices This Year!.................. 12-15
Success With Third-Party Payers.......... 17
Spotlight on Jack Echternacht ............. 19
Student News:
Radford’s First DPT Class............... 20-21
What’s Happening Nationally................ 28
VPTA members make a difference at PT Day on Capitol Hill.
Are You a VPTA
Facebook Fan?
VPTA’s facebook fan page, easily navigated from www.facebook.com/myvpta,
is a quick and simple way to keep up
with the field of physical therapy around
the state of Virginia. Members and potential members are able to access news and
pictures of events occurring at the state
level through social networking. You can
“like” the page (click on the little thumbs
up sign) and be part of a group of PTs,
PTAs, and physical therapy students who
currently live and/or work in Virginia.
Comments on the announcements can
be made immediately and allow for
discussions on topics and events. We
welcome all to contact Harrison Vaughan
at herbison1@yahoo.com if you would
like to post pictures of physical therapy–
related events in Virginia.
Harrison N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, Cert SMT
Technology Co-chair
The Virginian • Fall 2011
On June 9, 2011, over 50 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of
physical therapy lobbied for change on Capitol Hill. Members sought to communicate
their message to Congress that the physical therapy cap should be repealed permanently,
and that physical therapists should be added to the National Health Service Corps for the
purpose of student loan repayment and meeting the therapy needs of the underserved.
Should it pass, the second bill would keep more physical therapists working in the rural
areas of Virginia, rather than seeking higher-paying jobs in large cities. The Protecting
Student Athletes from Concussion Act had only been introduced in the House and had no
Senate counterpart.
Virginia’s Congress is composed of 2 senators and 11 representatives. As of this writing,
neither Senator Mark Warner nor Senator Jim Webb have been supportive of our legislation
by showing co-sponsorship in the preceding 110th, 111th, or current 112th Congress. It
was great to have such a large showing from the membership that there was standingroom only in a small conference room.
As for the 11 representatives, congratulations to Rita Wong, PT, EdD, and the group who
visited the office of Jim Moran (VA-8). Representative Moran becomes one of the 11 new
co-sponsors of the NHSC Student Loan Repayment bill and one of 4 new co-sponsors
of The Concussions Act. However, he has not signed on to support the Medicare Cap
Repeal. The table below shows the history of co-sponsorship of the 11 representatives. (We
are currently in the 112th Congress.)
As you can see, several have been in support in previous years, but are not on board at this
time. Let’s try and change this! The numbers may have grown from the time this was written,
Continued on page 4
Page 1
Virginia Physical Therapy Association
2011
Officers/Executive Committee
The Virginian, the newsletter of the Virginia Physical Therapy
Association, is published quarterly. The deadlines for submission
of materials are the 15th of January, April, July, and October.
Articles and news items of interest should be submitted to The
Virginian. Letters to the editor must be signed and include an
address and telephone number. Articles and letters printed
express the author’s views only and are not necessarily the official
policy of VPTA. All materials submitted are subject to editorial
­consideration and review.
Ad copy should be submitted to the Chapter Office on an issueby-issue basis. Checks are to be made payable to the Virginia
Physical Therapy Association Inc and must accompany the ad
copy. All advertisers will receive copies of the issue in which they
advertise; advertising in The Virginian does not imply VPTA
endorsement of products or ­services. The right to reject, add, or
change wording in ­accordance with VPTA and ­editorial policy is
retained by the publisher.
The rates for advertising are as follows for camera-ready copy:
Ad Size
(width & height)
Newsletter
Full page
(7-1/29 x 9-7/89)
1/2 page horizontal
(7-1/29 x 4-3/49)
1/2 page vertical
(3-5/89 x 9-7/89)
1/4 page
(3-5/89 x 4-3/49)
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DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF NEWS ITEMS AND ADS
ARE January 15, April 14, July 14, and October 15.
Please submit ads to:
CHAPTER OFFICE
Julia Rice, Executive Director
PO Box 327
Alexandria, VA 22313
800/999-2782, ext 3235
juliarice@apta.org
Please submit articles to:
Jody Gundrum, Editor
The Virginian
5603 Hampton Forest Way
Fairfax, VA 22032
703/822-6578 (W)
jgundrum@nvcc.edu
Be Found!
Help potential patients and clients in Virginia
find you …
Are you using APTA’s FREE member benefit to
promote your expertise to potential patients and
clients?
Distinguish your scope of practice from other
physical therapists in your area.
Sign up online at www.apta.org/findapt!
Page 2
President
Terri Ferrier
tsferrier@gmail.com
Vice President
Secili DeStefano
secilid@hotmail.com
Secretary
Leah Frazier
docoftherapy@gmail.com
Chief Delegate
Katherine Baucom
Katherine_baucom
@bshsi.org
Treasurer
Jerry Pumphrey
jpumphrey@progress
rehab.com
Executive Director
Julia Rice
VPTA
PO Box 327
Alexandria, VA 22313
800/999-2782 x 3235 (W)
703/706-8575 (F)
juliarice@apta.org
Board of Directors
Blue Ridge
Jessica Dobbs
j4dobbs@gmail.com
Megan Bureau
mbureau@valleyhealthlink.com
Central
Amanda Miller
ammillel@vt.edu
Ashley Crawford
acrawford005@gmail.com
Mountain
*William Kolb
wkolb@carilion.com
Vacant
Northern
Vacant
Lynn Bernstein
lynnkbernstein@gmail.com
Tidewater
*Sharan Zirges
zirges8@cox.net
Melissa Ogle
melissa.ogle1@gmail.com
Valley
*Renee Huth
rhuth@radford.edu
Liz Shortt
ershortt@carilionclinic.org
*District Chair
Committees & Special-Interest Groups
BYLAW MANDATED
Ethics
Jack Echternach
jechtern@netzero.net
Finance
Jerry Pumphrey
See Treasurer
Nominating
Mark Bouziane
mjbouziane@aol.com
STANDING COMMITTEES
Legislative
John Miller
jmiller@rehabmanagement.com
Membership
Vacant
Practice
Sara Knox
knox.s@lynchburg.edu
Public Relations
Joey Meadows
JoeyMeadows92@hotmail.com
Research
Diane Wrisley
wrisley.d@lynchburg.edu
Technology
Peggy Belmont (co-chair)
pbelmont@cox.net
Harrison Vaughan (co-chair)
herbison1@yahoo.com
The Virginian
Jody Gundrum
jgundrum@nvcc.edu
cbags@cox.net
Continuing Education
Sharan Zirges
zirges8@cox.net
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Committees & Special-Interest Groups
(continued)
OTHER
APTA Federal Affairs Liaison
Sydney Sawyer
sydneysawr@aol.com
Historian
Bunny May
vmay@tcc.edu
Pediatrics SIG
Bunny May
vmay@tcc.edu
Political Action Committee
(PAC)
Diana Venskus
diana.venskus@marymount.edu
Sydney Sawyer, Treasurer
sydneysawr@aol.com
Private Practice SIG
Tom Bohanon
tbohanon@inmotion-pt.com
PTA SIG
Michael Hmara
michael.hmara@inova.org
Student SIG
Jordan Chang
jchang09@su.edu
Lobbyist
Richard Grossman
The Vectre Corporation
411 E. Franklin Street, Suite 602
Richmond, VA 23219
804/644-6600 (W)
804/644-6628 (F)
rgrossman@vectrecorp.com
Payer Relations Specialist
Angie Brooks
angelabrooks.PT@comcast.net
Virginia Board of Physical
Therapy State Licensure
Lisa Hahn, Executive Director
Department of Health
Professions
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23233
ptboard@dhp.virginia.gov
Lisa.Hahn@dhp.virginia.gov
804/367-4424
2011 Calendar of Events
August
1District financial reports due to chapter treasurer
23Deadline for submission of abstracts to Research Committee
September
1Ballots available for electronic and mail voting
1Deadline for submission of nominations for VPTA awards
1Deadline for student stipend applications for VPTA Student
Conclave and NSC
15Deadline for submission of biographical sketch to SSIG
Nominating Committee by any student interested in running
for a leadership position
15Financial records due to APTA
October
4Student SIG online voting begins
8Voting deadline for VPTA SSIG representatives
13VPTA BoD Meeting–Roanoke
14-16VPTA Annual Conference, Roanoke–Mark Your
Calendars!
15Annual Membership Meeting and chapter elections
16VPTA BoD Meeting–Roanoke
21Deadline for submission of ads to editor for winter
The Virginian
31Deadline for applications for VPTA Student Minority
Scholarship
November
1Deadline: Nominations for APTA National Office
December
1Submit names and nominees for APTA Committees
1Deadline: Mary McMillan Scholarship nominations and all
honors and awards
31Candidate statements and consent forms due to APTA
APTA Board Liaison
Shawne E. Soper, PT, DPT,
MBA
American Physical Therapy
Association
Speaker of the House
shawnesoper@apta.org
2011 Delegates
Terri Ferrier
Brian Hoke
John Miller
Lisa Shoaf
Colleen Whiteford
Chief Delegate
Katherine Baucom
Delegates
Peggy Belmont
Tom Bohanon
Mark Bouziane
David Brewster
Secili DeStefano
Jack Echternach
Delegate-Elect
Laura Baldwin
PTA Caucus
Representative
Sarah Schmidt
PTA Caucus
Representative
Alternate
Vacant
Make Sure VPTA Has Your E-mail!
FYI... Did you know that if you have elected NOT to
give your e-mail address to APTA for their distribution
of information, you are automatically excluded from
information from VPTA also?
Great things are happening in Virginia. We hope you will
allow us to send you the Virginia physical therapy news by
including your e-mail address in your APTA membership
renewal. VPTA Career Center
Visit the VPTA Career Center today to search the job openings and
post your résumé at no charge!
Employers—Check out our many job posting options!
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Page 3
President’s Message: What Can Membership Do For You?
As you read this message, summer will be drawing to an end and
we will be approaching the fall. As the leaves change colors, the
brilliant hues of red, gold, and orange cause me to take a moment
and think about the amazing design of our incredible earth.
Thinking about structure and function makes me think about our
professional organization—APTA and our state chapter, VPTA.
Although I have been a long-term member of APTA/VPTA, I
have not always fully understood or appreciated the benefits of
membership. Therefore, I would like to share what I have learned
over the years regarding not only the benefits, but the importance
of membership in our professional association.
Benefits of Membership
•Connections: Being a member of our professional organization
provides us with increased opportunities to network with
other PTs and PTAs. It puts us in contact with others with
similar specialty area so we can share ideas, information,
hurdles, etc.
•Access: As a member of APTA, we have access to multiple
clinical practice resources including the following:
U Public Relations and Marketing Tools: APTA has a large
compilation of public relations/marketing tools on the
member only portion of the Web site. This information can
be used to enhance our practice and access to the patients
we want to see.
U Access to guidance and information from APTA’s Practice
Department: This allows a member to obtain information
regarding practice patterns, specialty areas, etc.
•Discounts: APTA members have the opportunity to save on
rates for various types of insurance, including liability, dental,
health, life, disability, auto, and long-term care coverage.
Membership also allows us to get up to a 40% discount on
continuing education courses.
•Advocacy: APTA and VPTA work daily to advocate on
our behalf with legislators and government agencies (such
as Medicare) regarding practice laws, protection of our
profession, payment, etc.
•Continuing Education: Did you know that as a member
of APTA/VPTA you have access to numerous continuing
education courses that are FREE? In fact, if you complete all
of the free online CE courses available through APTA, you
can earn over 16 contact hours of continuing education at
absolutely no cost. Additionally, there are numerous other CE
opportunities both at the national and state level.
•Evidence-based Practice Information: We all know how
important it is to keep up with the ever growing wealth of
evidence that helps us practice more effectively each day.
Through membership, we are able to access information about
EBP in several ways including:
U Open Door: Provides access to several databases and health
care literature from ProQuest, Joanna Briggs Institute, the
Cochrane Library, and more.
U Hooked on Evidence: Search article extractions or
clinical scenarios for evidence related to physical therapy
interventions.
U PT Journal: A peer-reviewed journal filled with research
articles and case reports that can assist us in our daily
practice.
•And MUCH MORE!
The benefits and the value of membership far outweigh the cost.
So don’t wait—become a member today and join your colleagues
in reaping the benefits!
Sincerely,
Terri S. Ferrier, PT
VPTA President
VPTA Sends Over 50 Members to Lobby on PT Day on Capitol Hill! continued from page 1
Name NHSC 112th 111th 110th CAPS 112th Rob Wittman VA-1 111th 110th X
X
109th
X
X
X
X
X
X
Scott Rigell VA-2
Robert Scott VA-3
Randy Forbes VA-4
Robert Hurt VA-5
Robert Goodlatte VA-6
Eric Cantor VA-7
James Moran VA-8
X
Morgan Griffith VA-9
Frank Wolfe VA-10 Gerry Connelly VA-11
so check the APTA advocacy web site, www.apta.org/advocacy, to
see where your representative stands. If they have not signed on
to co-sponsor either of these bills, please send letters and e-mails
contacting their office and ask them to support these bills. More
information is available on the APTA Advocacy Web site, www.
apta.org/advocacy.
Page 4
X X X
A huge thank you to all who went to PT Day on Capitol Hill and
made your voice heard!
Sydney Sawyer, PT
VPTA PAC Treasurer
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Page 6
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Pediatric Special-Interest Group
The PSIG has been quiet this year, with the exception of activity
around the Early Intervention (EI) Certification Regulation. We
did pursue on the PSIG’s behalf a response to the fast tracking
of the EI Certification Regulation. PSIG officers as well as the
VPTA president responded during the open-comment period.
This certification regulation was discussed at last year’s PSIG
meeting and came up quickly this year on the “Fast Track” vote
to make this certification permanent. Although comments were
made against this mandatory requirement of certification, the
regulation passed anyway.
PSIG officers are reassessing the goals of the PSIG in light of the
minimal activity that has occurred over the past year. We are
looking for feedback from PSIG members/potential members
as to what you want/need/are willing to assist with as a PSIG
member. Our mission for the PSIG is to plan, implement, and
promote professional growth and leadership in the field of
pediatric physical therapy. This includes physical therapists
and physical therapist assistants who are interested in pediatric
physical therapy. Our vision includes achieving intercultural
exchange, education, and training of associated staff with the
goal of delivering a consistent and high-level standard of care
to all children and families with disabilities. We also envision
promotion and dissemination of education and materials to
promote quality of care in pediatric rehab.
We are soliciting ideas and members to step up to the plate
and take the PSIG to the next level of involvement. What do
YOU want from/for the PSIG? What can YOU offer? How can
we help YOU along the leadership path? Please let me or your
district representative (see below) know how you want the PSIG
to function and your willingness to help. The offices of vice
president and secretary are open for elections this year. Districts
representatives for VPTA Districts 4-6 also are up for election this
year. Which position would YOU like to run for? Please let the
Nominating Committee Chair, Francie Mitchell, know of your
interest so she can help you.
We plan to have our annual Roundtable Meeting at VPTA Annual
Conference in Roanoke on Friday evening beginning at 7:00 pm.
This meeting is open to anyone interested in pediatrics. As a
reminder, the exhibit hall will be open from 4:30 pm–7:00pm on
Friday only, so join us after you get your goodies (and see the
new offerings) in the exhibit hall for some great networking and
leadership opportunities.
Bunny May, PT, DPT, PCS
vmay@tcc.edu
vmay4@cox.net
757/472-9826 (c)
Francie Mitchell, PT, PCS
flmpedpt@verizon.net
VPTA Direct Access Utilization Task Force Update
The VPTA Board of Directors created a task force in July 2010 to
examine and develop 2 areas regarding direct access in Virginia: (1)
marketing direct access and (2) tracking direct access utilization.
Since the new direct access law went into effect in spring of 2008,
approximately 500 PTs in Virginia have become direct-access
certified. VPTA’s goals are to market the new law to practitioners,
encourage more PTs to become direct access certified, and track
the usage of direct access in Virginia for future legislative efforts.
The Direct Access Utilization Task Force has completed the
following activities:
1)Completion of a survey to most direct-access–certified PTs
in Virginia to determine some basic usage questions and
determine interest in participation in data collection around
direct-access utilization.
2)Completion of a survey to a random sample of non–directaccess-certified PTs to determine the barriers to or decision
making around choosing not to become certified.
3)Initiation of a series of written case studies to be published in
The Virginian highlighting practitioners who have been using
the new direct access law successfully with patients/clients.
The first of these cases was published in the winter edition of
The Virginian. Additional cases will follow.
4)Development of a PowerPoint, in collaboration with APTA
staff member Nancy White, PT, OCS, that provides information about the direct access law in Virginia; benefits of using
direct access; national data on direct access from APTA; and
The Virginian • Fall 2011
other strategies to enhance practice using direct access. This
PowerPoint is being utilized at district meetings around the
state during the summer and fall to increase awareness and
knowledge about direct access.
5)Presentation of the results of the surveys about direct access
to the Board of Directors and attendees at the VPTA Annual
Retreat in April 2011.
The Direct Access Utilization Task Force is currently working on
the following activities or projects:
1)Presentation from APTA staff member, Nancy White, on
direct access at VPTA Annual Conference in October 2011.
2)Development of a research project examining direct access
utilization in Virginia that includes participation of a sample
of direct access certified PTs from around the state. The Task
Force hopes to have practitioners identified, trained, and
collecting data for a one-year period beginning in fall 2011.
The members of the Direct Access Utilization Task Force are Lisa
D. Shoaf, PT, DPT, PhD (chair), Brian Hoke, PT, DPT, SCS, Jerry
Pumphrey, PT, and Peggy Belmont, PT, with assistance from
Nancy White, PT OCS (APTA staff), and Dianne Jewell, PT, DPT,
PhD, CSC.
Lisa Shoaf, PT, DPT, PhD
Direct Access Utilization Task Force Chair
Page 7
Page 8
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Direct Access Success Story Using the
Ottawa Ankle Rules
The following is the second in a series of articles highlighting how direct
access is impacting clients in Virginia’s physical therapy clinics.
A 12-year-old female athlete presented to our clinic under current
direct access regulations 2 days after sustaining an ankle injury.
The mechanism of injury was described as a fall while walking
at home with the ankle turning toward an inverted position. The
patient heard a “loud pop” and was “in a lot of pain.” Her mother
was present for the evaluation. The patient demonstrated that she
was able to “put some weight on it” but “is hobbling around.”
The mother’s initial treatment included Advil, providing support
through an ankle brace, and using a cold pack for pain and
swelling.
The patient ambulated into the treatment room with a very
discernible antalgic gait pattern showing decreased step length,
decreased weight-bearing tolerance, and early heel rise. She was
wearing a lace-up ankle brace, but she did not have an assistive
device to aid with gait. Upon observation, ecchymosis was not
present in the ankle/foot complex, but a moderate amount
of swelling proximal to the bilateral malleoli to mid-foot was
apparent. The patient had pain in all planes of rearfoot motion,
particularly in eversion and dorsi-flexion. The range of motion
was slow, guarded, and approximately 50% limited in plantar
flexion and inversion and 70% limited in dorsiflexion and
eversion.
The primary patient pain complaint was local to the region
surrounding the lateral malleolus; however, she could not identify
a focal area of pain. Upon palpatory exam, the patient had marked
tenderness to mild provocation grossly throughout the proximal
ankle/foot complex but greatest over the calcaneofibular
ligament and anterior talofibular ligament, respectively. Manual
muscle testing was roughly 4-/5 to 4/5 and painful in all planes.
Application of a 128-Hz tuning fork to the base of the fifth
metatarsal and distal tibial crest reproduced lateral ankle pain.
Assuming the possibility of a fracture, the treating therapist
decided to implement the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR). The OAR
are a set of guidelines that aid the clinician in determining if the
patient needs plain film radiographs to diagnose a fracture or if
radiography is unnecessary. The OAR has high sensitivity values,
ranging from 98.2% to 100%, but only moderate specificity values,
ranging from 42.3% to 77.1%. It is a good screening tool to give
the clinician the ability to rule out a fracture if negative( For more
information, see Bachman LM et al. Accuracy of ottawa ankle
rules to exclude fractures of the ankle and mid-foot: a systematic
review. BMJ. 2003;327:417-419.)
The Virginian • Fall 2011
The OAR states that a series of ankle X-ray films is only required
if there is any pain in the malleolar zone and any of the following
findings:
• Bone tenderness along the distal 6cm of the posterior edge of
the tibia or tip of medial malleolus OR
•Bone tenderness along the distal 6cm of the posterior edge of
the fibula or tip of the lateral malleolus OR
•An inability to bear weight both immediately and in the
emergency department for four steps.
The patient did not meet the criteria to exclude an ankle fracture
per the OAR (2 bony tenderness spots and malleolar zone
pain were positive). Clinical judgment, concordant pain with
application of the tuning fork test, OAR results, MOI, and other
clinical exam findings formed the physical therapist’s opinion
to contact the patient’s primary care physician for plain film
radiographs. The patient was instructed to maintain NWB status
with bilateral axillary crutches until the physician could see her
that afternoon.
Imaging was found to be negative for fracture, and the treating
physician scripted a referral to return to physical therapy.
Considering the specificity values are only modest at best with
the OAR guidelines, this case does represent the false-positive
rate that could occur. As a screening instrument, the OAR is more
tuned towards high sensitivity, rather than high specificity, to aid
in the clinician’s ability to avoid unnecessary radiographs by 3040%. The patient was subsequently seen twice/week for 6 weeks
of physical therapy intervention, with a subsequent full return to
all softball-related activities.
Even though the physical therapist’s clinical suspicion of fracture
was incorrect, this case illustrates the need to use clinical decision
rules. There were enough positive signs to warrant further
diagnostics. The OAR is available for physical therapists to use
under circumstances such as this direct access case. As physical
therapists continue to grow as musculoskeletal specialists, using
evidence and clinical judgment to inform our decisions will
propel our profession forward and provide the most appropriate
help for our patients.
Harrison N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert SMT
David A. Love, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert SMT
In Touch Therapy
1187 N Mecklenburg Avenue
South Hill, VA 23970
Web site: www.in-touchtherapy.com
Blog: http://intouchpt.wordpress.com
Page 9
District News
Blue Ridge District to Co-Host Green Circle 5K in October
The Blue Ridge District had its last meeting in May 2011, held
jointly at Shenandoah University in Winchester and Augusta
Health in Fishersville. Chief Delegate Katherine Baucom, PT,
DPT, and Delegate Dave Brewster, PT, MSPT, briefed those
in attendance on the current RCs coming before the House of
Delegates at APTA’s Annual Conference in June.
On October 1, 2011, the Blue Ridge District will support
Shenandoah University’s DPT program’s efforts by assisting in
hosting the Green Circle 5K. Shenandoah University’s Division
of Physical Therapy is proud to present the 7th annual running
of this event. The Winchester Green Circle is a community project
to build a hiker/biker/jogging trail around Winchester. The 5K
and 1-mile run use the existing trail and local neighborhood
streets. The kid’s mile is entirely on the Green Circle trail and is
a very safe route. The BRD is proud to support this event in an
effort to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity
and doing anything that moves you forward during National
Physical Therapy Month and the rest of the year! There is still
time to sign up. If you are interested, go to www.active.com and
enter “Winchester Green Circle Run” in the search box.
We hope that everyone will be able to come out to our upcoming
2011 meetings. Mark your calendars!
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Location: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation in Fishersville; co-host
TBD
Time: 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Topic: Neuroplasticity: Implications for Rehabilitation
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011
Location: Appalachian Physical Therapy; co-host TBD
Time: 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Topic: TBD
We are still in need of a co-host for the September 20 and
November 17 meetings. If interested, contact either Jessica Dobbs
at jydobbs@gmail.com or Megan Bureau at meg01dpt@gmail.
com.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would
like to learn ways you can get involved in VPTA!
Jessica Dobbs, PT, DPT
Blue Ridge District Chair
Megan Bureau, PT, DPT
Blue Ridge District Director
Mountain District Plans Another Great Year of Activities
The VPTA Mountain District stretches from Abingdon and Bristol
to Christiansburg and from Floyd to Lee Counties in the far
southwest of Virginia. The district represents about 90 members.
Here is a review of the district’s past year’s accomplishments:
The fall district meeting was held in September at Wytheville
Community College with Virginia Senator Phillip Puckett (D-38)
as speaker. Senator Puckett was co-sponsor of the Term Protection
Bill introduced by VPTA. The November meeting was hosted
by Chuck Williams, PT, of Function Better Therapy in Bristol,
and featured orthopedist Thomas Whitman, MD, as speaker. In
January 2011, the district returned south to meet in Abingdon at
Johnson Memorial Outpatient (hosted by Barret Blevins, PT, DPT).
Speaker Brett Jones of Jones Adaptive” Equipment discussed
wheelchair prescription. Thanks to Kim Slemp, PT, for hosting the
March district meeting at Smyth County Medical Center, which
featured Jody Musick, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, speaking on the topic
of lumbar differentiation. The last meeting prior to summer was
in April and was held at Abingdon during lunch at the clinical
instructor credentialing course. The featured speaker was Lisa
Shoaf, PT, DPT, PhD.
Mountain District members to highlight include Debbie Clark,
PT, DPT, for taking the job of district continuing education (CE)
chair. Thanks to Debbie and Lisa Shoaf for making the April CI
credentialing course a big success! If you have any additional
ideas for Mountain District CE, please contact Debbie as our goals
Page 10
are to host 2 CE events per year. Thanks also go to Laura Baldwin,
PT, for her service to VPTA as delegate elect at the 2011 APTA
House of Delegates.
Special thanks to Greg Cornforth, PT, SCS, for his many years
of service to VPTA and the Mountain District. As an “Army of
One,” Sir Cornforth has served in many capacities, including
district chair, director, and VPTA Golf Tournament chair. Under
Greg’s direction, the Golf Tournament has grown to become one
of the best and most entertaining fundraisers for VPTA. Greg is
stepping down from state and district positions to focus more
time on his practice and family, including new daughter Ava. We
wish Greg success in all that he strives to accomplish.
Volunteers are what keep VPTA “Moving Forward” and this also
is true of the Mountain District. The district has openings for the
position of district director, Nominating Committee members, and
PAC chair. If you are interested in any of these district positions,
contact Wil Kolb, PT, CWS, at wkolb12@gmail.com. Elections will
be held September 6, 2011, at the upcoming district meeting at
Wytheville Community College. Our last district meeting for 2011
will be combined with the Valley District and is scheduled for
November 15 in Christiansburg. Looking forward to seeing you
all at an event in the future!
Wil Kolb, PT, CWS
Mountain District Chair
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Valley District Needs Your Help to Host
VPTA Annual Conference!
The Valley District is “moving forward” with plans for the
upcoming VPTA Annual Conference at the Sheraton Inn–
Roanoke, in October 2011! We are getting excited to share our
local gems with the rest of our state-wide colleagues! There are
big plans for the PAC event, including an “All American” theme
with a cookout! There will be something for everyone at Annual
Conference. Come out to participate in our annual golf tournament
at Hunting Hills Country Club on Thursday October 13, attend
2- and 3-day courses as requested by the VPTA membership,
contribute to the underserved during National Physical Therapy
Month’s “Fill the Truck” donation drive to the FREE Foundation,
and join fellow runners and walkers in the Scott Sullivan Run.
Please contact rhuth@radford.edu or ershortt@carilionclinic.
org to volunteer for small portions of tasks for any of the above
events. Make your reservations now so you won’t be left out of all
the excitement in the “Valley”!
During our May district meeting, we had 40 physical therapists
and physical therapist assistants in attendance! Our meeting
consisted of a continuing education (CE) presentation from
Sydney Mallenbaum, MD, who currently serves as medical
director of the Stroke Unit at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke and is
an assistant professor of neurology at the Virginia Tech Carilion
School of Medicine, also located in Roanoke. Mallenbaum’s
very informative presentation covered the acute management
and prevention of stroke. After the CE component, there was a
special election for Valley District director and Liz Shortt, PT,
DPT, was elected by the members present. Immediately following
the special election, state delegate Jack Echternach, PT, DPT,
EdD, ECS, FAPTA, presented some of the current RCs that were
coming before the June APTA House of Delegates with time for
discussion.
Hope you can join us next time! Here’s a list of our upcoming
events: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location: Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA
Topic: Total Knee Replacement: A Fresh Look
Presenter: Jeremiah Tate, PT, PhD
Tate is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical
Therapy at Lynchburg College.
Prior to the presentation, we will have a roundup of volunteers for specific
small task requests for help at Annual Conference (eg, registration,
auction and PAC set up, as well as tasks we haven’t yet identified).
October 14–16, 2011
Annual Conference in Roanoke, VA
(We are the hosting district this year!)
Location: Sheraton Inn–Roanoke
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location: Total Motion PT, Christiansburg, VA
Topic: Effective Neurologic/Pediatric Positioning
Presenter: Chesapeake Rehabilitation Equipment DME Rep
In addition, this is PHYSICAL THERAPY TRIVIA GAME NIGHT
with prizes and fun!
Note: This is a combined Valley and Mountain District meeting, and we
will be celebrating the holidays!
Liz Shortt, PT, DPT
Valley District Director
VPTA PAC Presents:
All American Night!
Cookout, Adult Beverages, and Games!
Saturday, October 15
7:30 pm–10:00 pm
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
Roanoke, VA
Come support your VPTA PAC in your red, white, and blues, and have your picture taken
under the Roanoke Star! The cost is just $45 for an evening of fun.
Register online using the conference registration form at www.vpta.org.
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Page 11
Page 12
The Virginian • Fall 2011
More Choices This Year!
We have a 3-day course as well as
the traditional 1- and 2-day course
options!
Friday (1-Day) Courses:
Vestibular disorders in the Acute Care Setting (6 Type I CEUs)
Michele L. Campeau, PT, DPT, MA
This course will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the
vestibular system, differential diagnoses of vestibular disorders,
assessment of the acute care vestibular patient, and evaluation
and treatment techniques for vestibular disorders and for
diagnosing/treating BPPV.
About Michele: Campeau received her master’s degree in physical
therapy from Duquesne University and her DPT from Temple
University. She has been employed for 11 years with Centers
for Rehab Services (CRS) at UPMC Presbyterian University
Hospital, Pittsburgh PA, in the acute care setting. Campeau was
the senior physical therapist on the neurological team for 5 of the
9 years in which she was a member of that team. She completed
her vestibular certification course at Emory University and has
specialized in vestibular rehab for the last 9 years.
Evaluation and Treatment of the Sacroiliac Joint and the
Influence of Pelvic Dysfunction on the Kinetic Chain
(6 Type I CEUs)
David M. Volkringer, PT, MPT, OCS
This course will focus on the examination of the pelvis and
sacroiliac joint using current best assessment methods and
testing procedures. The speaker will discuss treatment options
for dysfunction, including (but not limited to) core stabilization,
muscle energy techniques, manipulation, and strengthening and
stretching.
About David: Volkringer received his postprofessional master’s
degree in physical therapy from Old Dominion University (ODU)
in Norfolk, Virginia. In 2003, he was certified by the American
Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an orthopaedic specialist.
He currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Physical
Therapy program at ODU and guest lecturer at University of
Dayton. He presents regularly in the community on identification
and prevention of running injuries. He works at Atlantic Physical
Therapy in Virginia Beach, a physical therapist–owned outpatient
orthopedic facility, where his special areas of interest include
fabrication of custom foot orthoses and treatment of foot, hip, and
pelvis injuries.
Saturday–Sunday (2-Day) Courses:
Optimizing Care and Outcomes for the
Complex Geriatric Patient (10.75 Type I CEUs)
Alice Bell, PT, GCS
Identifying the comprehensive needs of the geriatric patient and
developing a treatment plan that will optimize an individual’s
potential is the goal of all therapists working with the older adult
population. This course is designed to enhance the participants’
knowledge in the area of examination, evaluation, treatment
planning, and outcomes measurement for patients with a
complex presentation.
About Alice: Bell is currently employed by Genesis Rehab
Services as the vice president of clinical services. She brings 29
years of experience, with the past 23 years exclusively in care
of the older adult in the skilled-nursing setting. Additional
experience includes acute care, home health care, inpatient
rehab, and outpatient care. Bell received her bachelor’s degree
from Northeastern University, Boston Bouve College in 1982.
She became a board-certified specialist in geriatrics in 1994
and received her recertification in 2003. Bell is currently a tDPT
candidate at the University of Montana. She is a guest lecturer
for the DPT program at Springfield College and has lectured and
written many articles on topics related to physical therapy and
the older adult.
Rehabilitation From the Ground Up: Foot and Ankle Structural
Assessment and the Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain
(10.75 Type I CEUs)
Brian R. Hoke, PT, DPT, SCS
This course will examine distal lower-extremity structure and
its influence on lower-extremity function. The physical therapist
clinican will be presented with a logical clinical assessment to
recognize common foot types. Functional assessment and gait
analysis will be used to determine patterns of compensation. A
multi-faceted treatment approach will be reviewed to address
the patient’s needs, including manual therapy, strengthening,
flexibility stretching, footwear, and the use of biomechanical foot
orthoses. About Brian: Hoke received his degree in physical therapy
with highest distinction from Indiana University and earned
his postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from
Boston University. His clinical experience has been specialized
in the realm of orthopedic and sports physical therapy, with a
particular focus on the biomechanical basis for lower-extremity
rehabilitation. Hoke is board certified as a sports clinical
specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
He was a faculty member of the popular continuing education
seminar “When the Feet Hit the Ground, Everything Changes” from
1985–2010 and co-developed the advanced-level course “Take the
Next Step” in 1990. Hoke is the director and co-owner of Atlantic
Physical Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA.
Continued on page 11.
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Page 13
Friday–Sunday (3-Day) Course:
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Approach to Gait Training (16.75 Type I CEUs)
Catherine Finch, PT, IPNFAI, and Suzanne White, PT, IPNFAI
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) has been
demonstrated to be an efficient and effective treatment
intervention to address the functional needs of the patient/client.
This course teaches the principles and theory of PNF through
lecture and extensive laboratory sessions to prepare clinicians
to work with neurologic and orthopedic conditions that impair
their patients’ functional gait. The course will include instruction
in specific patterns and facilitation techniques to create stability
and controlled mobility throughout the gait cycle to promote
functional independence.
About Catherine: Finch graduated with dual degrees in health
science and physical therapy from California State University–
Fresno. With over 20 years experience treating patients, she
has an extensive background in acute rehabilitation, inpatient
rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedics. She is recognized
internationally as a PNF advanced instructor and is certified in
adult NDT. Finch was on staff at Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation
Hospital from 1991–2001, and she also was an instructor in their
postgraduate PNF program. She has completed long-term manual
therapy course in both Australian and Norwegian approaches.
Finch currently holds a faculty position at Kirkwood Community
College in Cedar Rapids Iowa and consults with local physical
therapy practices.
About Suzanne: White graduated in 1987 from California State
University Northridge with a BS degree in physical therapy. She
worked on staff at Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Hospital
from 1987–2000 and was an instructor in the postgraduate PNF
program. Suzanne is recognized as a PNF advanced instructor
and has taught courses internationally in South Korea and
Germany. She has taken multiple year-long manual therapy
courses in both the Australian and the Norwegian approaches.
Her extensive background includes acute rehabilitation (CVA,
brain injury, spinal cord), inpatient care, skilled nursing, and
outpatient orthopedics, including adult primary care. Suzanne is
currently in private practice in Mill Valley, California.
Thank You Sponsors!
Thank you to the sponsors for the 2011 VPTA Annual Conference in Roanoke!
There are more sponsor opportunities available. Contact us at vpta@apta.org!
Platinum Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
Bronze:
Page 14
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Don’t Forget to Vote for New Officers!
Awards Nominations Accepted Until August 12
VPTA will be holding elections in September for the positions
listed below. You will receive an e-mail announcing that the
ballots are open and voting will occur online.
See the VPTA Web site for the candidates’ biographies and statements.
Per chapter bylaws, elections will be held electronically; however, mailed
ballots will be made available to those members who would prefer a paper
ballot by contacting VPTA Executive Director Julia Rice at juliarice@
apta.org or 800/999-APTA.
• President Elect
• Chief Delegate
• Secretary
• 2012 Delegates to the APTA House of Delegates
• 2012 Delegate Elect
• 2012 PTA Caucus Representative
• 2012 PTA Caucus Representative Alternate
•
Nominating Committee Members for:
Blue Ridge (2-year term)
Mountain (2-year term)
Northern (1-year term)
Valley (2-year term)
We will accept nominations for the awards listed below up until
August 12 (2 months prior to Annual Conference). Information
regarding prerequisite criteria and supportive narratives may be
found on the VPTA Web site. Nominations must be submitted to
the state nominating chair. The Nominating Committee will make
the final selection with the knowledge of the VPTA president.
•Beb Cash Award: To recognize physical therapists who have
made an outstanding contribution to clinical practice. Any
member may nominate another for consideration of this
award.
•M. Scott Sullivan Leadership Award: To recognize those
individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership
in their service to the VPTA.
•PTA Award: To recognize physical therapist assistants who
have made an outstanding contribution to clinical practice
and to the physical therapist assistants’ development through
participation in professional association activities.
•Emerging Leader Award: To identify and honor one physical
therapist or physical therapist assistant as an “emerging
leader” who has demonstrated exceptional service to the
chapter at state or district levels early in his or her career.
Mark Bouziane, PT, MSPT, MEd
State Nominating Chair
The Third Time Was a Charm: Payer Forum
Success Grows!
On May 6, 2011, VPTA hosted its third annual Payer Forum. This
purpose of this event is to educate third-party payers regarding
physical therapy service in Virginia as well as to receive valuable
input from representatives of one segment of our customer base,
the payer. The event was hosted at the historic Lewis Ginter
Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. Continuing education
units were made available without charge to all attendees, as
was breakfast, a buffet lunch, and a day brimming with current
updates on our ever-growing profession.
The day started with an introduction to our education
requirements, regulatory oversight, and the Guide to Physical
Therapist Practice, as well as an update on CPT coding trends.
Direct access was discussed as were term and title protection.
The afternoon consisted of a mock physical therapy evaluation
by a local clinician, which was followed by a discussion of how
the services observed would be billed and how the Guide to
Physical Therapist Practice could be utilized in medical necessity
review retrospectively. The event was attended by13 individuals
representing 6 third-party payers whose respective insurance
companies impact thousands of Virginians.
It is of note that we not only shared a great deal of information but
were fortunate to receive valuable input as well. Documentation
remains a primary area of concern for third-party payers, even
The Virginian • Fall 2011
with the influx of automated documentation templates. In many
cases, the templates are scanty and do not supply the minimum
information necessary to determine medical necessity of services.
There also are those who continue to submit handwritten notes,
in which in many cases legibility and not content is the issue. It is
highly advised that you take a look at your peers’ documentation;
if the notes do not tell a cohesive story for you, a clinician, it is
highly unlikely that a claims reviewer will have success.
In summary, the day was a huge success and I dare say it was
the best forum we have had thus far. The reviews were excellent
and everyone indicated an interest in attending future forums.
A few individuals also indicated an interest in having a VPTA
representative present to their specific organizations and
have since contacted me directly. This is very exciting for our
organization and our profession.
If you have questions about this event or any other issues related
to billing, please feel free to contact me.
Angela S. Brooks, PT
VPTA Payer Relations Specialist
Angelasbrooks@verizon.net
Page 17
Page 18
The Virginian • Fall 2011
In the Spotlight: John Echternach, PT, DPT, EdD, ECS, FAPTA
John (Jack) Echternach graduated from West Chester University
with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.
Following this, he attended the University of Pennsylvania
and received a certificate in physical therapy. Echternach
was commissioned as an officer in the United States Public
Health Service (USPHS) where he served for the next 24 years.
During this time, he served in many positions, including staff
therapist, chief of a hospital department, and ultimately officer
in charge of physical and occupational therapy activities in the
Division of Hospitals and Clinics of the USPHS. During this
time, Echternach completed the requirements for a master’s
degree in anatomy at the University of Maryland and a Doctor
of Education degree in higher education/administration at the
College of William and Mary. After retiring from the USPHS with
the rank of captain, Echternach founded the Physical Therapy
Program at Old Dominion University, which graduated its
first class in 1981. Echternach served as director of the Physical
Therapy Program until 1992. He continued to serve as a faculty
member in a variety of positions including chair of the School
of Community Health Professions and Physical Therapy. While
at Old Dominion University, Echternach, a certified specialist in
clinical electrophysiology (ECS), maintained a limited specialty
practice in clinical electrophysiology and also completed his
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in a transition format at
Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
Echternach is currently a professor and eminent scholar emeritus
at Old Dominion University and an adjunct professor at Nova
Southeastern University in the physical therapy PhD program.
He has published several papers on a variety of topics as well as
authored several textbook chapters. In addition, Echternach has
served as editor of 1 physical therapy texts and has authored 2
texts related to physical therapy practice. Echternach has received
recognition for his contributions to the profession as a recipient of
the Golden Pen Award, the Lucy Blair Service Award, and being
named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of APTA (FAPTA).
Additionally, Echternach serves on the VPTA Board of Directors
and the Ethics Committee.
MP: Dr. Echternach, can you briefly describe one of your most
challenging patients that you have successfully treated?
I don’t think I can answer this question on the basis of a single
patient. In my career there have been many patients who were
challenging and could have been considered to have had a
favorable outcome. I have always found it difficult to claim any
particular success with a patient since the patient is the most
important aspect in this equation. A few quick examples of
challenging patients that I was involved with would include a
bilateral amputee who was over 80 years old, a young man who
had several fractures after a hang gliding accident and a young
college student who had multiple sclerosis. In all of these cases I
was one of many who contributed to the patient’s care.
MP: You have been involved in many research and publication
efforts. What do you feel is your most important research or
what was your most rewarding and interesting research?
Research is a cumulative process and no one research activity
stands easily on its own as the most important. Early in may
The Virginian • Fall 2011
career I was one of a small
group of investigators
involved with ultrasound
where we explored the
possibility of facilitating
substances into the skin
for therapeutic purposes
(phonophoresis) and also
looked at iontophoresis of
cortisone-like drugs. We
also looked at the effects
of various frequencies of
ultrasound on potential
therapeutic responses. I
was involved in nerve
conduction studies and
clinical electromyography
as applied to a variety of
conditions. I spent some
time looking at changes in diabetic individuals and the changes
that occurred which resulted in vulnerability to neuropathic
disorders especially carpal tunnel syndrome. I also took a certain
amount of satisfaction in helping others become interested in
research activities, especially in the clinical environment.
MP: What do you view as the greatest obstacle facing PT
practice?
The lack of unencumbered direct access. Even though we have
a form of direct access in Virginia there are still obstacles to our
access to patients such as time limits, for example.
MP: What is the most rewarding aspect of being a physical
therapist?
I have always felt that there were two aspects about being a
therapist that were especially rewarding. The first is the feeling
that we are actually making a difference in patients’ lives even
when things do not turn out perfectly. The second is the knowledge
that physical therapy is a thinking person’s profession. From one
day to the next there are new challenges.
MP: Dr. Echternach, in your opinion, what is the biggest
advantage or value of instituting the annual visit in physical
therapy practice?
I believe the biggest advantage would be to the patient since we
would be helping the patient be aware of aspects of health that no
one else is doing to the same extent. This would include special
attention to the patient’s needs in the area of motion. The key
point of the annual visit would be helping patients assess their
current and future needs in this area. I believe this would include
health risks, fitness levels and prevention. The physical therapist
has a special role in helping clients/patients who already have
movement deficits maintain and improve their level of function.
Megan Poll, SPT
Marymount University DPT Program
Page 19
Student News
Radford University Seats Its First DPT Class
Francine Anderson, PT, PhD, associate dean of the Post-Baccalaureate
Pre-med Program for the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic
Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, VA, is seen here prepping the inaugural Radford University DPT class for the human anatomy course at
the student orientation held on the Radford University main campus
on June 22, 2011.
Radford University would like to announce that the Doctor of
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program began on June 27. The
inaugural class of 15 students comes primarily from western
Virginia. The program’s goal is to provide additional physical
therapists to meet the health care needs of western Virginia and
the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its 120 credits, with 3 varied 12
week clinical affiliations, is designed to be completed in 3 years.
The program is located in the Carilion Community Hospital
facility in Roanoke. This location will provide the DPT program
with possible research and educational opportunities with
Jefferson College of Heath Sciences and VT–Carilion Medical
School. The DPT program complements the existing Doctor of
Nursing and Master of Occupational Therapy degree programs
at Radford University.
Edward Swanson, PT, PhD
Chair, Radford University DPT Program
VCU DPT Students and Faculty Shine at PT 2011
Virginia Commonwealth University’s DPT program was again
recognized at PT 2011(held in National Harbor, Maryland) with
the Foundation’s Merit Award for raising $6,000 or more in the
Pittsburgh–Marquette Challenge. The Challenge, undertaken by
PT and PTA schools, raises money for doctoral scholarships and
research grants. VCU’s students raised $8,621 this year, bringing
our total contribution to $43,312 since we started participating
in 2004. The second- and third-year class presidents, Dan Syrett
and Stephen Vesely, attended and received the award. They are
to be congratulated along with the rest of the VCU students who
volunteered from the classes of 2012 and 2013. Dianne Jewell, PT,
DPT, PhD, CCS, has been the faculty coordinator for this effort
since the beginning and has done a tremendous job working with
the students and making this a success at VCU. We also would
like to thank our sponsors and all the community who participate
in VPTA’s Annual Conference Golf Tournament.
VCU DPT faculty made a number of noteworthy contributions at
this year’s PT 2011 conference. Dan Riddle, PT, PhD, participated
in the Rothstein Debate. He debated Pamela Peele, PhD, on the
topic, “Is Statistical Significance Irrelevant to Best Practice?”
Riddle also presented “Where We’ve Come and Where We’re
Headed: Trends in Physical Therapy Journal Over the Last 30
Years.” He presented with a team of investigators from University
of Florida, Gainesville.
Page 20
Lori Michener, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC, gave a 3-hour update in sports,
orthopedics, and fitness titled, “Lower- and Upper-Extremity
Tendinopathies: Mechanisms, Treatment, and Outcomes” with
Kornelia Kulig, PT, PhD, FAPTA.
Dianne Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, CCS, presented on “Practice
Autonomy: Strategies to Help You Step Up and Deliver in Any
Setting” with Laurita Hack, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA, FAPTA.
The Department of Physical Therapy at VCU celebrated its
80th anniversary with a number of activities in April 2011. The
celebration included a presentation on “Lumbopelvic Motor
Control: Moving Evidence into Action” by Deydre Teyhan, PT,
PhD, OCS. The reception was attended by alumni, former faculty,
current faculty, and honored guests. A lifetime achievement award
was given to Doris Estelle, Class of 1947, who is still practicing in
home health in New Orleans at the age of 90.
Tom Mayhew, PT, PhD
Chair, VCU DPT Program
The Virginian • Fall 2011
NOVA PTA Students Participate in Shoes 4 Kids
Shoes 4 Kids (SK4, formerly Shoeless Sunday) is a national physical
therapist assistant community service endeavor spearheaded by
Brad Thuringer, a PTA educator in South Dakota. For the past 5
years, PTAs and PTA students have collected new athletic shoes
and socks for children in shelters in the metro area in which
APTA’s Annual Conference is held. This year, S4K collected over
1,100 pairs of new youth athletic shoes and over 4,000 pairs of
socks for the children of the greater Washington, DC, area. Northern Virginia Community College’s PTA students are proud
to have been participants since the beginning. Mike Chevalier,
Class of 2012, personally delivered his classmates’ contributions,
and along with DPT students from George Washington
University, was able to assist Thuringer in fitting children with
new shoes at one of the shelters, the Valley Place Family Program
in Washington, DC.
If you would like to support S4K in Tampa next June, please
contact Thuringer at THURINGB@lakeareatech.edu.
NOVA PTA student Mike Chevalier (far right) and other S4K
volunteers prepare to fit children with new athletic shoes at the Valley
Place Family Program.
NOVA PTA Students Volunteer at Wheelchair Wash
PTA students
Becca Brunner,
Mike Klapper,
Kelley Grant, and
Jackie Maier hard
at work on a
student’s chair.
The physical therapy staff at Arlington Public Schools held their
annual Spring Cleaning event organized by Karen Miller, PTA,
May 14 at Campbell Elementary School. Staff and volunteers,
including a number of first-year NOVA physical therapist assistant
students, turned out to wash wheelchairs for the general public.
Free minor repairs were done by the Rehabilitation Equipment
Professionals (REP) team.
Marvin Mathews, SPTA,
makes a child’s chair sparkle.
Class of 2012 NOVA PTA students participate in Arlington Public
Schools wheel chair wash.
Front row, left to right: Marvin Mathews, Andrea Ball, Leah Doyle,
Melinda Arpa. Back row, left to right: Mohammad Wahdan, Mike
Klapper, Becca Brunner, Jackie Maier, Kelley Grant, and APS PTA
Karen Miller, event organizer.
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Leah Doyle, SPTA,
strips down a chair.
Page 21
WHAT A DEAL!
Market your business needs by reaching the most Virginia physical therapists and
physical therapist assistants!
Become a VPTA Partner and enjoy a $3,000-plus value!
For Only $1,500 You, Too, Can Get:
1. Recognition as a VPTA partner on the VPTA Web site homepage, with a hyperlink
to your Web site, for one year ($2,000 value). For added value, only 6 VPTA partner positions are
available at any given time. If these spaces are currently filled, new partners will be added as space becomes available.
2. A half-page ad in one regular issue of the VPTA Newsletter anytime during the partner year
($225 value).
3. A quarter-page text ad in our Annual Conference special edition that is mailed to all licensed
PT and PTA members in Virginia ($250 value). (Credit for the cost of the advertisement can be applied
to a larger size ad).
4. Recognition as a VPTA partner in every issue of our newsletter, The Virginian ($250 value).
5. Recognition on signage at the VPTA Annual Leadership Retreat and Annual Conference
($500 value).
6. Complimentary subscription to the VPTA newsletter during the partner year
(priceless: available to VPTA members only).
Plus, additional discounts available include:
• 10% discount on additional ads placed in the VPTA Newsletter
• 10% discount on exhibit fee for VPTA Annual Conference
Thank You to Our Current Partners:
Page 24
The Virginian • Fall 2011
Success for Virginia at the 2011 APTA
House of Delegates
•RC 16-11: Reducing the Burden of Current Copayment
Systems
Charges APTA to help chapters pursue options for changes
in insurance policies and/or legislation with the goal of
reducing the financial burden of current copayment systems
on patients/clients receiving care from physical therapists.
Back row, left to right: Sarah Schmit, PTA Caucus Rep, Laura
Baldwin, PT, MPT, Peggy Belmont, PT, MEd, David Emerick, PTA,
Secili DeStefano, PT, OCS, John Miller, PT, Tom Bohanon, PT, OCS,
and David Brewster, PT, DPT, MA, ATC.
Front row, left to right: Terri Ferrier,PT, Jack Echternach, PT, DPT,
EdD, ECS, FAPTA, Katherine Baucom, PT, DPT, Lisa Shoaf, PT,
DPT, PhD, Colleen Whiteford, PT, DPT, Mark Bouziane, PT, MSPT,
MEd, and Brian Hoke, PT, DPT.
The Virginia Delegates were thrilled with the results at the House
of Delegates (House) this year. Virginia introduced 3 motions/RCs
to be heard and debated for this year’s House. The motion concepts
for the 3 RCs came from our VPTA members. The delegates took
those concepts and developed the RCs based on current practice
issues and the needs of our patients. The Virginia delegates were
instrumental in getting all 3 RCs passed, with very little debate
in the House. We had co-sponsors from sections, from 20 or
more different states, and from the APTA Board of Directors. Our
membership, and others from across the country, charged APTA
to do more regarding the lack of transparency for covered benefits
for patients and for the rising concerns around copayments. We
also wanted to see more functional tools developed that would
assist physical therapists in performing a more standardized
annual screening. A description of the 3 motions are as follows:
•RC 24-11: Development and Implementation of Standardized
Elements for an Annual Physical Therapy Examination
Charges APTA to support the promotion and implementation
of an Annual Visit with a Physical Therapist (a position which
was passed in 2007 HOD) by coordinating the development
and promulgation of best clinical practice screenings and
exams to meet the needs of all individuals. The association also
will develop resources and tools to help PTs track individual
patient outcomes and a plan to enhance public recognition of
the need and benefit of an annual exam.
Katherine Baucom, PT, DPT
Chief Delegate
VPTA Members
Overwhelmingly Approve
Dues Increase
In an electronic vote June 15–22, 2011, an increase in
membership dues was approved by 77% of voting
members. As a result, effective January 2012, PT fullmember dues will increase $15/year, PTA full-member
•RC 15-1: Amends a House policy from 2008 for “Accurate
Transparent Disclosure of Physical Therapy Benefits by
Health Insurance Companies.”
dues will increase $10/year, and student members will
The motion indicates that APTA supports:
oHealth insurance policies that provide coverage for
physical therapy services and full representation of the
details of that coverage.
oLegislation that would limit the patient’s/client’s financial
responsibility to less than the actual amount paid by the
insurance.
oChange in legislation that would require development and
use of consistent terminology regarding physical therapy
coverage, written in “plain language.”
program costs have risen in all areas. The increased dues
The Virginian • Fall 2011
now have chapter dues in the amount of $10. During
the 14 years since the last dues increase, operating and
will help VPTA maintain and enhance current programs
and may open the door to new programs. Thank you to
everyone for your support!
Page 25
Summary of Motions Passed/Defeated at the
2011 House of Delegates
Fourteen representatives from the Virginia Chapter participated
in APTA’s 2011 House of Delegates (HoD) at the National Harbor
in Maryland, June 4–8. There were 11 delegates, 1 delegate elect, 1
PTA caucus representative, and the chief delegate in attendance.
There were 28 motions/RCs brought before the House this year.
Some interesting highlights that came from the deliberations
were as follows:
RC 3-11: Physical Therapist Responsibility and Accountability for
the Delivery of Care
Packet II: PASSED
A new position that will become effective July 1, 2012, states that
APTA recognizes and supports physical therapists’ abilities to
utilize appropriate support personnel, including but not limited
to the physical therapist assistant, when directing and supervising
selected aspects of physical therapy intervention.
RC 4-11 through RC 12-11
Packet II: PASSED
All of these were referred to the Board of Directors to review
the current model of the physical therapist (PT), the physical
therapist assistant (PTA), and the physical therapy aide as the only
participants involved in delivery of physical therapy services and
identify potential models of delivery that:
•Describe patients and the care management required.
• Identify participants that could support the PT in potential
new models.
• Are consistent with potential new payment models.
• Identify strategies for success.
• Investigate changes to the education and scope of work of the
PTA.
A task force that will include House and Board members,
component representatives, other experts, and APTA staff, will be
appointed to conduct the review. Any necessary motions will be
submitted to the 2012 House of Delegates.
RC 13-11: Full Payment for Physical Therapy Interventions
Packet III: WITHDRAWN
This RC would have created a position that APTA supports
appropriate payment for physical therapy interventions whether
provided by the PT alone or by the PT/PTA team.
RC 14A-11: Amend: Supervision of Student Physical Therapist
Assistants
Packet III: PASSED
Amends Supervision of Student Physical Therapist Assistants so
that physical therapist assistant students can be supervised by a
physical therapist assistant who is working under the direction
and supervision of a physical therapist.
RC 19-11: The Physical Therapist’s Role in Concussion
Management
Packet I: PASSED
Creates a position that APTA recognizes that concussions should
be evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team of
licensed health care providers, and that physical therapists are
Page 26
an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. An individual
suspected of having a head injury should be removed from
participation in organized activity for assessment of concussion.
Physical therapists or other licensed health care providers should
evaluate the individual and determine clearance for return to
participation.
RC 22-11: Beyond Vision 2020
Packet II: PASSED
Charges APTA to review and revise Vision Sentence for Physical
Therapy and Vision Statement for Physical Therapy to look
beyond 2020 and clearly articulate the profession’s commitment
to society. Concepts to consider while reviewing and revising the
vision should include enhancing collaborative relationships to
achieve cost-effective care, advancing health policy that supports
the vision, engaging in innovative models of care, and promoting
wellness and prevention, with an interim report to the House
of Delegates by 2012 and introduction of a revised vision to the
House of Delegates by 2013.
RC 23-11: Assistive Technology
Packet II: PASSED
Creates a new position stating that APTA supports the
provision of assistive technology that is appropriately suited
to the patient’s/client’s needs, which may include complex
rehabilitation technology and related clinical services for people
with disabilities. Additionally, physical therapists should be
recognized and appropriately paid for furnishing services related
to complex rehabilitation.
RC 27-1: Student Member Access to Section Web Sites
Packet I: DEFEATED
This motion charged APTA to encourage sections to provide
APTA student members with access to the section Web sites free
of charge.
To see the complete list of RCs and the full language for each RC
as it was presented to the House, login to APTA, then click on
the APTA Communities page, then APTA Communities, then
House of Delegates Community, then Documents, and then
Onsite Packets.
The Virginia Delegation did an outstanding job representing you
at the House of Delegates this year. They were well prepared to
discuss and debate the motions before the House. They worked
on your behalf throughout the year to prepare through phone
conferences, e-mail communication, and meetings prior to the
House. They also held meetings in every district of the state to
present the information that would be coming before the House,
and they gathered valuable information from the membership so
that they could truly represent Virginia.
It has been my pleasure to serve you as chief delegate for the
past 4 years. I have learned so much and have worked with some
incredible delegates from Virginia and around the country. I
thank for giving me the opportunity to serve you!
Katherine Baucom, PT, DPT
Chief Delegate
The Virginian • Fall 2011
2011 PTA Caucus Report
In June, I was honored to represent VPTA at the 2011 APTA PTA
Caucus Meeting and the APTA House of Delegates (House) in
National Harbor, MD. This year, like most years, was full of rich
debate and collaboration between all the delegations.
As the Virginia PTA Caucus representative, I split my time between
the PTA Caucus and the Virginia delegation. I have had this great
experience for the past 4 years; however, this year—I was able to
get a first-hand glimpse into what is done to successfully bring a
motion, or RC, to the floor of the House. Virginia brought forward
a total of 3 motions this year! I want to recognize our incredible
delegates for the countless hours of dialogue and work that went
into getting these motions ready. They all did such a great job
and were successful in getting all 3 passed by the 2011 House of
Delegates! Way to go, guys!
The PTA Caucus annual business meeting took place Saturday
and Sunday, June 4–5, 2011. The Caucus was welcomed with
brief comments from PTA Caucus Chief Delegate David Emerick,
APTA President R. Scott Ward, and APTA CEO John Barnes. APTA
Deputy Executive Director, Janet Bezner, provided a leadership
training workshop on negotiation and influence.
The 47 PTA Caucus representatives that were present and the
5 PTA Caucus delegates were divided into 5 different groups
to discuss issues, opportunities, and future endeavors of the
PTA Caucus. The groups covered the following content areas:
communication, education, practice, advocacy, and strategy. This
was a great exercise for everyone to continue to give the Caucus
direction on what issues are at hand, where we want to go, and
how to get there.
The PTA Caucus delegate summary of 2010–2011 activities included use of the data collected from the PTA Caucus Representatives
at the 2010 House of Delegates to update and prioritize Caucus
goals and objectives and to facilitate the development of 2 new
task forces within the PTA Caucus: Communication and Education. The delegates also reviewed the Federation of State Boards
for Physical Therapy’s revised model practice act and monitored
payment concern (in particular, the situation with lower payment
from Kansas BC/BS for PTA services and developed RC 13-11 in
response to this activity).
During the PTA Caucus meeting, motions to the 2011 House also
were discussed. Discussion was centered on motion content and
possible ramifications of passing/failing each motion of concern,
especially in regards to those motions of greatest importance to
the work and career of the PTA. Additionally, potential actions
that could be taken on the floor of the House were described.
therapy interventions under the direction and supervision
of the physical therapist. This motion passed with a proviso
delaying the effective date of the position to July 1, 2012. Prior
to discussion of RC 4-11, the House adopted a motion referring
RCs 4-11 through 12-11 to the APTA Board of Directors with
instruction to conduct a thorough investigation into possible
service delivery models and their impact on the profession and
patient/client care. The motion also called for the review of PTA
education with any models of service delivery and the necessary
changes in position(s) associated with them to be presented to the
2012 House. RC 13-11, addressing payment, was withdrawn by
the PTA Caucus. RC 14-11 (PTA student supervision) was passed,
allowing PTAs to provide clinical supervision to PTA students
with general supervision by the physical therapist. A summary
of House actions written by APTA’s secretary may be found on
the House of Delegates’ community page on the APTA Web site.
As a PTA who witnessed the debate over the full vote motion
that failed last year, I was nervous as the debate of several of
the RCs commenced on the House floor. However, I came away
from the House with a very positive feeling this year. There
was clear concern from delegates all across the country for the
PTA’s position in regards to new practice models and the need
to support the role of the PTA. Once again, I came away from the
Houes with new lessons learned and new perspectives on our
profession and those individuals that serve as our leaders. Thank
you for giving me the opportunity to represent Virginia and be a
part of this great event.
Sarah Schmidt, PTA
Virginia PTA Caucus Representative
Shawne Soper Re-elected for
Second Term as Speaker of
the House
Congratulations to Shawne Soper, PT, DPT, MBA, on being elected
to serve a second term as Speaker of the House of Delegates.
Shawne did another masterful job as speaker during this year’s
House of Delegates. Thank you, Shawne, for your outstanding
service to our profession for the past 3 years. We look forward
to your future successes as speaker and APTA Board of Director!
The PTA Caucus meeting included elections for PTA Caucus
delegates and Nominating Committee. Those elected were Carrie
Perkins (AZ) and Paul Perdue (WA), delegates; Niki Wallen
(MO), alternate delegate; and Christina Wilson (AL), Nominating
Committee. The following individuals were acknowledged for
completion of their terms: Carrie Perkins (AZ), delegate; Deb
Bornmann (TX), delegate; Luis Williams (CA), alternate delegate;
and Brenda Norton (SD), chair, Nominating Committee.
During the 2011 House, extensive discussion was heard relative
to RC 3-11, which proposed expanding the current model of
service delivery (ie, PT, PTA, PT aide/tech) to include other
support personnel with the requisite training to provide physical
The Virginian • Fall 2011
APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD, congratulates Shawne
Soper, Speaker of the House, for completing her first term in office.
Page 27
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Alexandria, VA
Virginia Physical Therapy Association
1111 N Fairfax St
Alexandria, VA 22314
An APTA Chapter Publication
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Remember to call the state licensing board
and your physical therapy association with
your new address.
Timed Codes Clarified
In the 2011 CPT manual, the American Medical
Association has taken steps to clarify the timed
code dilemma. The verbiage in short directs the
user to bill a timed code only if half of the specified
time has elapsed for treatment. A subsequent
code can be billed only if another half of the time
allotment has elapsed. For example, in order
for a provider to bill one unit of a service that is
designated as 15 minutes, a minimum of 7 minutes
and 30 seconds of treatment must be rendered. In
order to bill a subsequent unit, 22 minutes and 30
seconds of treatment must be rendered. It is noted
that this would apply to everyone using CPT codes
to bill their services.
Angela S. Brooks, PT
VPTA Payer Relations Specialist