Healthy Wealthy & Smart

Almost every time I interview a guest for the podcast we end up chatting after the formal interview is over...sometimes for an extra hour! A lot of that content is really good stuff, so I decided to record it and send it out to the world! I suppose you can think of these "quickie" episodes as an after hours conversation. In this week's quickie Jimmy and I talk about: * Why he decided to become a physical therapist * Who was his favorite musician to interview back in his radio days * What was his (and my) favorite concert * and finally what to call these after interview episodes. I did not take Jimmy's suggestion but I am pretty sure he will be using it on his podcast very soon! Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy this Thursday quickie! Karen

In this episode I chat with DPT student and the host of the PT Pintcast Jimmy McKay. This was a super fun interview as I love hearing from students and getting their perspective on the world of physical therapy. It was also nice to get Jimmy on the other side of the interview...although I pretty sure at one point he started interviewing me! In this episode we talk about: * A recap of the national Student Conclave * How he is preparing himself for the transition from DPT student to working PT * The PT Pintcast * His biggest challenges (or as Dr. Sharon Dunn calls it opportunities) as a DPT student * How hosting his podcast has changed him as a student and a person. * and much much more! I also make up for the fact that I think I was the only person who has been on the PT Pintcast that did not share a beer with Jimmy....this time I made sure I did. I also have a "quickie" interview with Jimmy that will come out later on this week. That interview is a little more personal and little less PT talk. So be sure to be on the look out for that! As always thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast! Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy & Smart! Karen

The month of November is National CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) Awareness month. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines CRPS as “a chronic pain condition most often affecting one of the limbs (arms, legs, hands, or feet), usually after an injury or trauma to that limb. CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system involves nerve signaling from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and mild or dramatic changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area." In honor of this awareness month I was thrilled to interview Joey Aquilino. He is living with CRPS and has become an outspoken advocate for those living with CRPS. It was so refreshing to hear an honest and very real account of what it is like to navigate the healthcare system when you have "something" wrong and you are in pain. In this episode we talk about: * Joey's journey from initial injury to diagnosis of CRPS (it took a long time!). * How CRPS affected him emotionally as well as physically. * The steps and techniques he used to reduce depression and get moving. * Why he became an advocate for those living with CRPS * How his ordeal resulted in him finding himself and his passion. * The #JGF family and his Blogtalkradio shows * Plus much, much more! I loved this episode because I think it is so important to get the patient perspective, especially with complex diagnoses like CRPS. A diagnosis like this goes so far beyond the time we spend with the patient during our sessions. Joey gives such an open and honest account of what he has gone through over the past several years and it is a great reminder for all healthcare providers who work with people in pain that you need to take the time to listen to the whole story! A big thank you to Joey for sharing and to you for listening! Have a great week and stay healthy, wealthy and smart! Karen

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and took a chance on something new? If it has been a while I highly suggest you do something, even if it is small, at least once a week that challenges you and makes you just a bit uncomfortable. That is exactly what my guest on the podcast has done for years and as a result she is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, an assistant professor in the physical therapy department at Hampton University and the most recent Miss Virginia USA. Dr. Desiree Williams has accomplished so much in her life already because she takes those chances, works hard, is super organized, and is proactive about her life and her goals. This was such an inspiring conversation and my huge takeaway is to have more confidence in myself and believe in my values and my decisions. In this episode we talk about: * Why she decided to become a PT. * How she got started in the pageant world and how she has been so successful. * Her top tips for managing your time efficiently (I thought I was organized but this girl puts me to shame). * Her platform as Miss Virginia USA and how she incorporates her education and passion for health and wellness into that platform. * How she is able to keep the negativity that can be associated with the pageant world out of her head. * Her best advice for students thinking of going into the world of academia * And much, much more! Dr. Williams' confidence and positive attitude is clear and she gives so many nuggets of advice in this interview on how to stay positive, grounded and most importantly yourself. Enjoy this wonderful talk and stay Healthy Wealthy & Smart! Karen

This is the continuation of the interview with Dr. Bronnie Thompson from last week about living well with chronic pain. In this episode we answer listener questions! In this episode we go through the following questions: * What she would say to give confidence to someone who is afraid that no matter what they do, they will always hurt? * Is there value in a pain diary? * Any tips on instituting an exercise program in widespread pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia? * Any helpful strategies to get a reluctant patient on board with exercise? * How does Dr. Thompson's research in pain apply to the manual therapy profession? * And much much more! I want to send lots of love and thank yous to Dr. Bronnie Thompson for an amazing interview experience and sticking around for this very important part two of our conversation. Thank you for all of the positive comments and kind words from last week's interview and I know you will find the same value in this episode! Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy & Smart! Karen

I know what you are thinking...living well with chronic pain?!? Some thoughts that went through my head were: "Are you kidding me...that sounds impossible" "Sounds like an oxymoron to me." "Does that mean take lots of pain meds to feel better?" And I am sure you can think of lots of other things to say! But after you listen to this incredible interview with Dr. Bronnie Thompson, your thoughts will be challenged! You will start to see that yes...you can live well with chronic pain. You can find value and fun in your life doing the things you love despite pain. In this episode we talk about: Values based pain management Dr. Thompson gives some amazing examples of motivational interviewing (I am talking really great so be ready to take notes!). The process your patients can follow to reoccupy their self-concept in the face of chronic pain. How to be a real human with all of your patient interactions. Making the patient the center of your practice. And so much more! This is the first part of a two-part interview with Dr. Thompson. The second part will air next week! Thanks for listening and if you like what you are hearing please share it and leave a rating here! Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy & Smart! Karen ***PS....You will also listen to what made me totally break down and cry for the first time on air! Get the tissues ready!

In this podcast I am joined by Rick Gawenda, PT and he answers your burning questions about ICD 10. Some of the topics we covered in this podcast are: * The 7th character...what is it and when do you have to use it? * How many ICD 10 codes need to be on a claim form? Can you ever have too many? * What are the documentation requirements in the patient's medical records? * Are the diagnosis codes the same as the treatment codes? * What are external cause codes for injuries? * Rick takes us through a few tutorials on how to code based on some diagnoses. This was a super informative episode! Rick literally knows most of this stuff off the top of his head (which I was very impressed with) and he shares with us a very comprehensive look at the major aspects of the ICD 10 coding system. Thank you all for listening and please feel free to share with friends and family! And if you like what you are hearing I would be ever so grateful for a review on iTunes! Have a great week and stay healthy wealthy and smart! Karen

As any medical professional will tell you, navigating the Medicare system is challenging. Add to that a cash physical therapy business and things can get really confusing! To help get us through this sea of confusion that is Medicare, Dr. Jarod Carter has written a fabulous book entitled Medicare and Cash Pay Physical Therapy. It is a comprehensive guide based on all he has learned from over five years of owning a cash-based clinic and many hours of working with different attorneys and authorities on this subject. Dr. Carter has also been teaching about the private pay business model for a number of years and often consults for in-network practices participating with Medicare. So this book is not only focused solely on the rules as they apply to cash-based practices. It is written for any practice owner wondering how she/he can accept private payment for the variety of services a PT business may provide to beneficiaries. In this episode we talk about: * Why Jarod decided to become a physical therapist * Why and how he started his cash-based PT practice * What is the difference between participating, non-participating, and no relationship w/ Medicare * Can a PT opt out of Medicare * What is an ABN and when is it necessary to use it vs. a private contract with your patients. * Is there a "loophole" to see Medicare patients in a cash PT model * And much more! One thing to remember...if you have any questions about your practice and how it fits in to the Medicare system always contact a healthcare lawyer to help with your specific situation. Enjoy the podcast and thanks for listening! Karen

Are you a DPT student or new graduate thinking about opening your own cash based PT clinic one day? if the answer to that questions is yes, then this is the episode for you! In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kevin Prue, the president and director of Prue Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Cary, NC. While I am not a huge fan of new graduates opening their own clinic straight out of college Dr. Prue may have caused my thinking to take some baby steps in that direction. In this episode Dr. Prue and I discuss: * His process of creating his business and when he started that process (hint it was not after he graduated!). * The biggest successes he has had since opening the doors to his clinic. * The biggest challenges in his business and the steps he has taken to overcome them. * We go through a quick exercise to find his ideal client to help sharpen his marketing plan. This is something EVERYONE should do before they open a business. * How he differentiates his clinic from the others in his area. * His best advice for DPT students thinking about opening a PT business. * And much, much more! Dr. Prue's business is about to hit the one year mark and this interview is an honest look at what it takes to be a business owner with all of the highs and lows. Don't forget, it is hard work to own your own business, so if this is something you are thinking about doing at some point in your life be prepared to WORK! I would love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of starting a #CashPT business right out of school. Please leave a comment or tell me about on twitter here.

"We are still the same people we just have more equipment." - Kiel Eigen In honor of September being National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness month I was thrilled to interview Kiel Eigen. Kiel became paralyzed during a football game when he was in eighth grade, but like he says it does not stop him from living his life. I interviewed Kiel, along with his physical therapist Dr. Gina Tomassoni a few years ago after he completed a major milestone in his recovery. In this episode Kiel and I talk about: * His relationship with his physical and occupational therapists and how important that was for his recovery * The major milestone he accomplished while still in high school * How his life has changed since using a new wheelchair from Quantum Rehab * How the new wheelchair differs from others on the market * What Kiel does to keep in shape (you might be surprised) * What his plans are for the future As a physical therapist it is so important to know your client's point of view and life outside of their PT sessions. If you are not taking that into account I think you are definitely missing the boat and not doing your clients justice. The major takeaways from this podcast are to ask more questions, go beyond the traditional "goals" for your clients and understand their values. Once you know the values that mean the most to your client's only then can you make a comprehensive plan of care and make a major impact in their life.