Therapy Jobs Policy
Kansas may require insurance to cover OT and PT for autistic patients
State officials in Kansas are considering a new bill that would require insurance companies to cover physical and occupational therapy for autistic patients. According to KWCH, a local CBS affiliate, the majority of coverage providers do not offer plans that include treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), such as Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/19/2013
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Physical therapists protest California law
Millions of people have gone to physical therapists over the years when they've needed to increase mobility and get back on their feet. However, in some parts of the country, lawmakers are considering legislation that some say would harm those with physical therapy jobs.California legislators recently amended Senate Bill No. 924, which put new restrictions on physical therapists....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
9/5/2012
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Version 5010 enforcement discretion period comes to an end
The Version 5010 enforcement discretion period ended on June 30, 2012, according to PTProducts Online. Beginning on July 1, all non-compliant providers and other healthcare entities, including traveling physical therapists, face possible strict enforcement action under the current Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) transaction and code set enforcement process....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/23/2012
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Electronic medical records can improve the efficiency of your practice
Patient medical records hold healthcare offices together and in recent years, many offices have been transitioning to electronic software systems to compile the data and information, getting rid of the long-used paper records....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/25/2012
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Rhode Island passes bill requiring insurance companies to cover autism treatment, New York could be next
New York is looking to follow in Rhode Island's footsteps with a proposed bill that would require insurance companies to pay for speech language pathologist work and other therapies associated with autism treatment.Governor Lincoln Chafee recently signed the bill into law that makes Rhode Island the 26th state to pass the legislation....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
8/16/2011
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Physical therapists vow to fight proposed legislation in California
Hundreds of professionals with physical therapy jobs say they will fight legislation that was recently introduced in California that would allow doctors to profit from referrals made to rehabilitation services that they personally own.Bill AB 783 was introduced through public notice by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi of Hayward during the presidential holiday weekend....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/1/2011
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Blue Cross Blue Shield changes its restrictions on the services of certain physical therapy jobs
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is revising its reimbursement for patients who seek the assistance of a physical therapy assistant or an occupational therapy assistant.As the current guidelines stand for reimbursement, executives for the insurance company said that the policy was too narrow, and is planning on revising the policy by October 1, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
8/10/2010
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BCBS of Kansas policy changes loosen restrictions on PTAs and OTAs
On Thursday, July 29, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Kansas announced that it would remove policy restrictions on the services that certified physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants could perform on their members.Originally, the insurance provider proposed a policy, which would go into effect on October 1st, that defined the types of treatments PTAs and OTAs could perform, the Topeka Capital Journal reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
8/2/2010
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Topeka public to weigh in on changes in therapy reimbursement rates
On Thursday, July 29, a town hall meeting will be held in Topeka, Kansas, so that the public can voice their support or opposition to changes in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas' reimbursement rates for outpatient physical and occupational therapy....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/30/2010
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Physical, occupational therapy could reduce long waits in New York hospitals
Hospitals around New York State are considering adding physical therapy and occupational therapy on weekends in order to reduce the time that patients spend waiting to enter an emergency room.According to data recently released by the healthcare consulting group Press Ganey, in 2009, patients at New York hospitals spent an average of five hours in waiting rooms before seeing an ER doctor - the fourth worst average time in the country, CrainsNewYork.com reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/29/2010
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Illinois governor vetoes bill, preventing doctors from hiring physical therapists
Citing anticipated increases in healthcare costs for citizens, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn vetoed a state Senate bill on Friday that would have allowed doctors to hire and form partnerships with physical therapists.The decision to veto the bill falls in line with the opinion of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association, which opposes partnerships between doctors and those with PT jobs, as they believe the arrangement divides profits and borders on illegal fee-splitting, ChicagoBreakingBusiness....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/28/2010
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Work experience helps focus career goals of budding physical therapist
Because of the wide array of settings, geographic locations and specialties that those looking for physical therapy jobs can choose between, increasingly more young professionals are turning to travel jobs or per diem employment to gain experience and insight into their field....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/13/2010
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New rules on Medicare coverage of therapy in nursing homes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently approved changes in reimbursement to nursing hopes treating patients in need of rehabilitative therapy, which may influence the staffing needs of some facilities.Beginning on October 1, 2010, the new rules will go into effect, essentially scaling back Medicare reimbursement to 50 percent for each patient in a pair or group being simultaneously treated during concurrent therapy....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
7/8/2010
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Physical Therapy helps kids with disabilities
A physical therapy clinic in Park Cities, Texas, aims to provide care for children with developmental and physical limitations. The physical therapy jobs at this facility aim to make these kids' lives just a little bit easier. The Warren Center, which has been in existence since 1968, works to provide therapy as a way to help needy kids better navigate the world, a recent article in the Dallas Morning News reported....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/23/2010
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APTA Conference: Working with a PTA
At the recent American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) conference, those engaged in physical therapy jobs had the opportunity to attend a variety of panels and discussions that offered to help them gain deeper insight into the profession. One such event was the panel discussion with Peggy DeCelle Newman, an assistant professor of physical therapy with the University of Oklahoma's Department of Rehabilitation Services....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/23/2010
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Panel reveals notes on APTA branding campaigns
The recent American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) convention attracted a wide range of individuals in physical therapy jobs to the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Many of these professionals sought industry-related advice, in particular, ways to build up one's business. A panel titled "Marketing to Health Care Professionals and Consumers" discussed a new APTA branding campaign aimed to help physical therapists better market themselves and their services....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/23/2010
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APTA Conference: Marketing to consumers
Even those in physical therapy jobs need to learn how to effectively let potential clients know of the services they offer. At the recent American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) conference in Boston, Massachusetts, one panel examined how professionals can better market themselves and attract new business. A panel discussion titled, "Marketing to Health Care Professionals and Consumers," included tips from Emilio Rouco, the public relations director at APTA....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/23/2010
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Golfers may experience back pain
Physical therapy jobs often involve helping avid sports players either recover from injury, or learn how to prevent future complications. According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, an average golfer will play 37 rounds per year. After studying PGA pro golfers, the organization determined that 33 percent suffered more problems with their lower back over the preceding year....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/8/2010
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New physical therapy treatment involves equipment
Those in physical therapy jobs often ask patients to exercise joints and increase their range of motion in certain parts of the body in order to help the individual recover from an injury. According to the Merck Manual, physical therapy can include muscle-strengthening exercises, ambulation or walking exercises and coordination exercises. Often, physical therapists use tools to help patients stretch out muscles....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/2/2010
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Yoga provides physical therapy for veterans
Once considered an eccentric activity, yoga has been increasing in popularity over the years. Those in physical therapy jobs should know of its health benefits, as the exercise promotes flexibility and the building of learn muscle. In fact, the 2008 Yoga in America Study revealed that 41.8 percent of yoga practitioners are between the ages of 35 and 54. Today, it seems that some professionals in physical therapy jobs are incorporating yoga into their treatment programs....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
6/1/2010
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Wii Fit helps soldiers with physical therapy
Professionals in physical therapy jobs often find that new technology can enhance their work. Such is the case with a team at Kansas State University, which found that using a Wii Fit video game could help some veterans recover from traumatic brain injuries. One returning veteran suffering from this condition was invited to try using the Wii Fit in order to improve his balance....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
5/25/2010
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APTA: Tips for correct bike fit
When temperatures start to rise and the sun begins to shine, more Americans try to take advantage of the pleasant weather. Some enjoy walking and jogging while others choose to bike - sometimes even to and from work. However, those in physical therapy jobs may want to offer patients advice, like that presented by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in order to find the best bike fit....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
5/25/2010
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Ease muscle pain with ginger
At times, those who work in physical therapy jobs are called upon to use natural treatments. These may take the form of massages to help ease tense muscles, but there can be other therapies that assist a physical therapist's job. For instance, researchers at the University of Georgia revealed that ginger can be an effective tool in subduing exercise-related muscle pain. The team gave study participants raw or heated ginger capsules over an 11-day period....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
5/24/2010
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Physical therapists call on Congress to expand therapy cap
More than 200 physical therapy advocates recently met with members of Congress to make a case against therapy caps and educate lawmakers on the importance of direct access to rehabilitative services.Members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) urged lawmakers to consider an alternative policy to deal with the current Medicare limit of $1,860 for out-patient services provided by physical therapists and other healthcare providers, the APTA said in a news release....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
5/3/2010
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Physical therapists in New York to close doors on May 18
Physical therapists in New York will close their clinics on May 18 to voice their call for the state legislature to end "specialty" co-payment obligation for rehabilitative services.The New York Physical Therapy Association recently announced that the "Lobby Day" will bring hundreds of physical therapy professionals and students to Albany, where legislation to end the imposition of additional co-pays for physical therapy services is being discussed....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
4/28/2010
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State cuts on physical therapy support draw ire in Minnesota
An advocacy group in Minnesota warned the state government that funding cuts on human services will greatly affect people with developmental disabilities."Cuts in human services are a tax on our most vulnerable citizens, including people with disabilities," Steve Larson, policy director of an advocacy group for people with disabilities, told the Post Bulletin....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
4/12/2010
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New York PTs to protest rising co-pays at state capitol
On May 18th, physical therapists in New York State will recognize the New York Physical Therapy Association's (NYPTA) Lobby Day, by closing their doors and rallying for a reduction of patient co-payments at the state's capitol.Last year, Senate Bill S.4321 and State Assembly Bill A.8171 were introduced to end the obligation of additional co-pays for physical therapy services....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/27/2010
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Kansas Senate approves occupational therapy for autism bill
On Thursday, March 18, Kansas parents seeking occupational therapy for their autistic children scored a small victory when the state Senate approved a bill that could require insurance plans to cover autism treatments.Specifically, the proposed legislation would act a litmus test of sorts for the mandated coverage, by first offering the benefits to state workers and their families, the Topeka Capital-Journal reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/22/2010
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New York budget cuts to impinge on early intervention physical therapy
As part of New York Governor David Paterson's proposed budget cuts across a laundry list of state operations, parents of children with disabilities will have to pay more to attain early intervention physical therapy for their kids.Among the proposals affecting early intervention, Patterson suggested a sliding scale for parental contribution payments, maximizing payment by commercial insurance, and changes to assessments for a family's eligibility for Medicaid, RocNow.com reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/17/2010
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New York residents fight for spinal cord injury research
Rehabilitative therapists and concerned citizens in New York state are fighting to preserve a program that has been instrumental in helping people who have been partially paralyzed by spinal cord injuries.In 1998, state trooper Paul Richter, who was able to regain the ability to walk several months after being paralyzed by a gunshot wound to his leg, arm and neck, helped establish the Spinal Cord Injury Research Board to develop the specialized field in New York, the Gotham Gazette reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/12/2010
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Physical therapists broadcast 'Cover the Uninsured Week'
Practicing physical therapy can often demand an intimate relationship with patients, as practitioners work to help others recover some physical ability or overcome a debilitating condition. But sometimes, the relationship demands that physical therapists battle for their patients' entitlement to their services....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/11/2010
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Physical therapy professors set to work on new technology for Armed Forces
Over the next 12 months, members of the University of Evansville physical therapy department in Evansville, Indiana, will work with researchers at Army Baylor University to develop technology that will help the armed services quickly evaluate the injury risk of American soldiers....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/9/2010
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Cuts to Medicare aid threaten physical therapy patients
Members of Congress recently passed a bill that extends jobless benefits such as the temporary reinstatement of the physical therapy exemptions process, to free some Americans from caps on Medicare coverage for their treatments....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/8/2010
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New occupational therapy study questions limits of drivers with dementia
The safety of older drivers continues to be a primary focus for practitioners and researchers in the occupational therapy field. While investigators have traditionally said that drivers with dementia and early Alzheimer's disease may continue to drive for extended periods of time as long as they are monitored and routinely evaluated, new research calls these recommendations into question....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/8/2010
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Occupational therapists target interventions for older drivers
Employment experts have long expected the aging US population to spur growth in the healthcare industry. Specifically in the occupational therapy field, specialists are beginning to focus on preventative strategies that may help older drivers avoid injuries that take place on the road....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/5/2010
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State's Direct Access program to physical therapy can help control healthcare costs
While healthcare concerns pervade the nation as Congressional Democrats attempt assess their options for comprehensive reform, many Americans with mobility problems are using their state's Direct Access measures to get the physical therapy care they need.Direct Access, which has been legalized in 48 states, allows patients to go directly to a physical therapist without a doctor's referral, and have the visit paid for by an insurance provider, ABC affiliate WTAE reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/4/2010
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Connecticut physical therapists authorized to use laser treatment
Physical therapists in Connecticut have begun to use a low-intensity laser therapy to help patients repair damaged tissue and manage pain.The new trend emerged after the state passed Public Act 09-232 in October 2009, thereby revising the Department of Public Health's licensing statutes, and repealing a prior law that prohibited physical therapists from using the treatment, the Hartford Courant reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
3/1/2010
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Tennessee Physical Therapy Association speaks out on TennCare cuts
Occupational therapists in Tennessee are rallying against a budget proposal by Governor Phil Bredesen, which would effectively cut rehabilitative therapy for adults from the state's Medicaid program, TennCare.Bresdesen's proposal, an effort to save about $3.4 million each year through cuts, is expected to significantly alter the revenue received by practitioners who accept TennCare beneficiaries....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/22/2010
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New York physical therapists combat raising co-pays
Battling high insurance premiums and health plans with soaring co-pays for visits to a medical specialist, some physical therapists are taking matters into their own hands to keep their services affordable to patients.Sue Skibinski, who owns three physical therapy offices in central New York, has noted how raising co-pays for physical therapy, ranging from $30 to $60 for her patients, is making her practice unaffordable, 9WSYR.com reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/18/2010
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Rehab therapy travel jobs bound for Guatemala
A group of rehab therapy students from the University of South Dakota are planning a trip to Guatemala next month to provide aid and be exposed to rehabilitative therapy travel jobs.The students and members of the USD faculty plan to leave for Central America on March 5, but are first requesting donations to help them bring supplies to the impoverished area through the Hope Haven International program, the Press and Dakotan reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/9/2010
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Medical center offers occupational therapy through fly fishing
Perhaps because of its strong links to extensive scientific research and common practice settings in hospitals and medical centers, the practice of occupational therapy is commonly viewed as a clinical science. However, some rehabilitative therapy facilities are shaking off the lab coat stereotype by taking their patients out of the examiner's office and into the wild....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/8/2010
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Senators seek extension of rehabilitative care cap exemption
A group of US Senators is looking out for Medicare beneficiaries and the physical therapy industry by asking the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to postpone the implementation of a financial cap on Medicare Part B outpatient therapy reimbursements.The limit on reimbursement for outpatient speech, physical and occupational therapy went into effect on January 1, after Congress failed to act on measures to renew an exemptions process....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/8/2010
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Legislation could pave way for West Virginia physical therapy assistant jobs
A bill that aims to amend the West Virginia Physical Therapy Practice Act and create physical therapy assistant jobs in the state has passed the House Government Organization and will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee.Among its provisions, the legislation, dubbed House Bill 4140, would raise the number of physical therapy assistants that could be supervised by a single physical therapist from two to four, the Marshall University Parthenon reports....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
2/3/2010
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Rehab therapy center finds medical use for horseback riding
A physical and occupational therapy center in Warwick, New York, is making national headlines for its innovative approach that helps children and adults with special needs develop confidence and useful skills through horseback riding.Winslow Therapeutic center, a nonprofit facility serving Orange County and its surrounding districts, was highlighted in Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine magazine for its unique hippotherapy program, according to the Warwick Advertiser....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
1/29/2010
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Electronic patient record systems may restructure work of occupational therapists
In a recent attempt to streamline the business practices of occupational therapists in the US, The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), has announced a licensing agreement with Cedaron Medical to develop an electronic patient record and documentation system for the occupational therapy industry....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
1/27/2010
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Physical therapy industry awaits congressional action on healthcare reform
As lawmakers work toward a final vote on healthcare reform, The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has continued to aggressively lobby Congress to address the management of therapy caps and payment cuts for physical therapy, two issues attended to in the sweeping measure....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
1/26/2010
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Occupational therapy job-holders await impact of healthcare legislation
Like most industries, occupational therapy jobs are inevitably influenced by government legislation that regulates the field. Though healthcare reform remains on the minds of many Americans over Congress'' holiday recess, leading OT officials have already spent significant time lobbying for industry interests in the bill....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
12/31/2009
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Anthem Blue Cross changes could affect PT jobs in California
Anthem Blue Cross (ABC) is making changes to its network as well as to its reimbursement policy, which could have an impact on physical therapist jobs in California.In November, ABC announced it will be expanding its network in certain areas and allow numerous locations to be included in one contract, according to Fizio. Furthermore, Blue Cross will change its reimbursement policy to a per diem model....
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Reflectx Staffing Services
12/16/2009
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