Interesting happenings at Body Solutions in NJ
I love my job! Why? We keep a fun atmosphere, I have fun with my patients and staff, and my patients get better! At our Voorhees office in NJ, Physical Solutions, we have a combination center of physical therapy, personal training, medical massage, and registered dietitian. Because of this, we get a wide variety of population. Having a mixture of young athletes, middle aged weight loss clients, and older patients all in one clinic was concerning at first. I was worried about how the dynamics of this mixture would affect the clinic. Fortunatley, it has worked out very well and the overall energy levels from the younger crowd helps make the center more upbeat. In fact, went the therapy patients come in when the trainers are off say, "where's everybody, it's dead in here".
Some of our patients evolve to our fitness program. They are under the guidance of the therpaist but their workouts are suervised and planned by the trainers. When other patients see how someone who could barely walk at first, eventually do lunges with weights, they are motivated and inspired by it.
I encourage any managing therapist or private practice owners to consider adding a fitness component to their clinic. The only obstacle is finding the right trainers with enough education to do the training. From experience, a trainer must have at least a degree in biomechanics or exercise science and 2 years of experience. Without that, any a few months of mentoring from the therapist, they will not comprehend the needs of your patients.
feel opinionated and post something. At the clinic, I think I do equal parts of physical and mental therapy. I feel compelled to get my hands in there and make people change for
the better. Just the other day, I felt compelled to tell a patient "it is my goal to get you to quit smoking before you are discharged". Why would I do that? Why whould I talk a few hours a week
about the scientific link between antioxidants from fruits and veggies and chronic inflammation and cancer? I do this because I have been exposed to the truth. Once you know things
like the danger of smoking, the danger of low antioxidant levels, and the danger of poor posture/nutrition, you should take action and help everyone around you. Too many people
have the mindset that one person can not make a difference. I can think of a few dozen names that would proven that statement wrong. I urge everyone to do something to help
other in all aspects. I urge clinicians, especially practice owners, to treat as many people without health insurance (who can't afford it) as they can. At anypoint in time, my clinic
can have anywhere from 5-15% patients who are seen without insurance coverage and expense self pay rates. I figure, one less night out with the wife and another 100k miles on my 99 jetta
is little to sacrifice for other people's health.
Notice to All NJ Physical Therapists:
NJ Assembly Bill A-1631, scheduled for a vote on Monday 1/29/07, would eliminate the need for prior authorization of PT services.
Note the following from the official statement on this bill, A-1631:
“This bill amends the "Health Care Quality Act" (N.J.S.A.26:2S-1 et seq.) to delete prior authorization requirements by certain health insurance carriers for accessing certain health care services.
The bill specifically amends N.J.S.A.26:2S-6 to stipulate that the medical director of a carrier which offers a managed care plan or uses a utilization management system in any of its health benefits plans is to ensure that no prior authorization is required by the carrier in order for a covered person to access the following health care services: physical and occupational therapy services, prescription drugs and biologics, radiological examinations and durable medical equipment.
The bill takes effect on the 90th day after enactment and applies to all contracts and policies issued or renewed on or after the effective date.”
What you need to do:
Contact your Assemblyperson and ASK THEM TO VOTE YES ON A-1631!!!!
Rationale:
It was expressly stated, in our bill creating Direct Access in 2003, that the legislature specifically intended "to ensure that the public has full and unrestricted access to the full scope of services provided by physical therapists." In addition, the legislature intended to permit "consumers to access directly the services of physical therapists". Despite this expressed intent, consumers have had access to our services restricted by the authorization process that this bill would remove.
We all know that "Justice delayed is justice denied." Physical Therapists also know that, "Treatment delayed is recovery denied!" Let your legislator know that your patients, and their constituents, need this legislation to become law in NJ so such delays and denials will be prevented.
If you don’t know who your Assemblyman or Assemblywoman is, or you would like their contact information, you can:
Call us to find out, or
Visit the NJ Legislature Website at <A href="http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp...">NJlegistaturesearch</a>
to find out and e-mail them directly.