Do you see a gap in the care of individuals that you work with? Sometimes the work isn’t done after discharge, am I right? The desire to fill a gap for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is what led 2 PTs and an OT to establish Empower SCI in 2012. Empower SCI is a non-profit dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation experiences for people with SCI by creating immersive, residential experiences with clinical experts, peer mentors, recreational opportunities, and around the clock support. Empower SCI has a unique and innovative model that is volunteer driven and loved by all who encounter it.   In this episode we interviewed the co-founders, Carrie Callahan, PT, DPT, ATP, Jessica Goodine, PT, DPT, NCS, and Elizabeth Lima Remillard, MS, OTR/L about everything from how it all started to where it’s all going. They shared the motivation for starting Empower, what “residential program” means, where and how they operate without a brick and mortar, who qualifies and who doesn’t qualify for an intensive, their biggest challenges to running intensives, why they decided to create a nonprofit, their tips for a successful partnership of 3, their new teen program and how you can get involved. Join us for an amazing dive into a life changing program that will inspire you! Please share this episode and information with anyone you know who might be interested in either volunteering or attending! To sign up to be a volunteer or participant use this link: empowersci.org/applications  Participants for the upcoming teen program have until June 15, 2024 to apply! IG @empowerspinalcordinjury FB Empower SCI  

Dr. Carolee Winstein discusses bridging research and clinical practice in neurorehabilitation. She emphasizes the importance of understanding motor control and neuroplasticity, integrating neuroscience into physical therapy, and collaboration between researchers and clinicians for therapy advancement.

Physical therapist, Dustin Jones, challenges traditional approaches to training aging adults, focusing on the importance of pushing older individuals to their limits for better outcomes. He discusses biases in healthcare, the benefits of heavy lifting and strength training for older adults, and the risks of under-dosing this population. Jones emphasizes the need for proper dosage in training and the value of fitness in maintaining independence for aging individuals.

Han Nguyen, PT, DPT, NCS shares insights on setting up a neuro rehab clinic with high-intensity sessions and team work. She discusses growth strategies, hiring lessons, and transitioning to ownership. Han emphasizes patient focus, clear messaging, and the value of business coaching for growth and confidence.

Explore ways to manage overwhelm in your business by prioritizing rest and setting boundaries. Learn how to recognize signs of burnout and navigate work-life balance. Discover strategies for incorporating self-care, relaxation, and delegating tasks to improve productivity and well-being.

Who wants to talk about a fun topic?! What if learning about Medicare Maintenance Therapy actually was fun and didn’t make you fall asleep? Well, that’s what you’re going to get on today’s episode! We sat down with our favorite Medicare Utilization Reviewer, Dr. Robbie Leonard, PT, DPT, CHC to discuss the hot and sticky points about Medicare skilled therapy. We know a LOT of US-based therapists have questions and we’re here to help! In today’s show we discuss some common misconceptions about using Medicare for therapy so we can help you pass an audit and stay out of trouble!  Some of the topics covered today include: Medicare’s definition of medical necessity and when it does and does not cover services The only 2 standards under which you can treat - restorative and maintenance and what they each mean When do to restorative and when to do maintenance and why you should NOT mix the two The questions you should ask yourself every time you see a patient: Could what I’m doing be provided by a caregiver or technical person that I train? If yes, it should not be billed at all. Unfortunately it doesn’t matter whether there is a qualified caregiver available or not. How you get audited: You can be flagged to be audited because your data profile looks different. If you always use or never use KX you can be audited for being an outlier. You should never stop seeing people just because they’ve reached the threshold. This can be a red flag! What you should NEVER say to a patient about their Medicare dollar usage When it is and is not appropriate to stop providing skilled therapy (hint: it doesn’t have to do with where the patient is in their threshold spend!) How to know if you can provide more therapy to a person who’s reached their threshold for the year: evaluations will always be covered!  Why you should not be concerned (or turn away) a patient who has used up to their Medicare threshold or beyond Initial threshold What about Medicare and cash? If you’re providing a covered service you cannot opt out of Medicare as a therapist. You are legally obligated to file a claim. What does wellness look like then? What does a reasonable time frame actually look like? Jimmo settlement CMS Medicare regulations all US therapists should read: Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15, Section 220.2 D NeuroSpark members find the Parkinson Focus Track call recording with Robbie HERE with additional information covered Find Robbie at: robbie@8150advisors.com **Please note, the contents in this episode are for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice

Do you feel like you’re as great a clinician as you could be? Do you know how to apply the evidence in an individualized way? Are you missing anything in your therapy toolbox, if so, do you know what it is? In today’s show we were so excited to interview Dr. Oscar Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS after he won the PT Clinical Excellence in Neurology Award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy component of the American Physical Therapy Association. Oscar is dedicated to the advancement of physical therapy through many advocacy efforts. He spends countless hours treating patients, mentoring students, residents and other clinicians, and focuses on community wellness. He has transformed many lives in his 20+ years in the field and is definitely someone who will take the profession (and healthcare) further as he continues to devote time, effort and energy to these passions. Any clinician or student will benefit from this in depth discussion of what makes a person a really great clinician so they can overcome barriers, empower patients to overcome their real and perceived barriers, and ultimately find perhaps a lost sense of agency. The insights shared will enlighten clinicians at any stage in their career. Some of the discussion points touched upon in this interview include how to determine what to use in your practice from the evidence when you’re stuck between following best practice guidelines and the restrictions faced like resources, patient functional level, other patient/family priorities, and clinical appropriateness for the interventions being suggested. Additionally, we discuss an essential communication tool that can shift power dynamics ultimately leading to better outcomes, understanding of expectations, and satisfaction for patient and clinician alike. Helpful adages like “our discharge plan starts at the evaluation” and “think out loud” will strengthen patient/clinician relationships. Becoming an expert in neurologic therapy goes beyond your clinical skills and the bullet points in the research. Listen to hear how you can elevate your practice right now. If you’re inspired by anything you heard, you can reach out to Oscar in the following ways: ogallardo76@gmail.com @dr_o.g._theneuropt  

Discover the world of vestibular therapy with Dr. Christina Garrity, who shares insights on starting a private practice, being a non-participating Medicare provider, and empowering therapists to help all individuals with vestibular problems. Learn about her journey managing a clinic while pursuing a PhD, the hybrid payment model in her practice, and the transformative power of embracing opportunities and uncertainty. Tune in for a special announcement on a collaboration for enhancing skills in vestibular assessments and treatment planning!

This podcast episode discusses managing retropulsion in Parkinson's patients, focusing on causes like inadequate weight shifts and balance impairments. Strategies include using weighted vests, aerobic exercise, sit-to-stand targets, resistance band exercises, and reactive balance training to improve stability and prevent falls.

NeuroBiz coach Emily Duval Ledger joins the discussion on goal setting, setbacks, and expectations. Topics include setting big audacious goals, the value of perseverance in running and business, intentional words for the year, embracing personal growth beyond goals, and navigating the evolution of goals and achievements.