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While clinicians consistently prioritized patient care, the system itself incentivized service volume in ways that could create tension between clinical judgment and operational demands.

Then the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) arrived.

And with it, a clear message from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): residents are not units of production.

PDPM Marked a Philosophical Shift

PDPM fundamentally changed how SNF services are reimbursed. Rather than tying payment to therapy minutes, PDPM emphasizes clinical characteristics, patient complexity and individualized needs.

This was more than a billing revision.

It was a directional signal from CMS.

By disconnecting reimbursement from therapy minutes, PDPM intentionally removed the structural pressure to equate more time with more value.

Clinical decision-making was repositioned to be at the center of care planning.

Why This Matters for Providers

PDPM allows clinicians to practice in a way that aligns more naturally with patient-centered care:

• Treatment based on clinical need, not minute thresholds

• Interventions driven by functional presentation

• Focus on outcomes, mobility and safety

• Stronger interdisciplinary collaboration

When reimbursement is no longer tied to how long therapy lasts, the conversation shifts from: “How many minutes did we deliver?” to “What does this resident truly need to improve function and quality of life?”

That distinction matters.

Residents Are Individuals, Not Metrics

Every SNF professional understands this instinctively.

Residents arrive with different diagnoses, comorbidities, motivations and recovery trajectories. Some require intensive rehabilitation. Others benefit from targeted, shorter interventions. Some require skilled maintenance. Others prioritize safety, comfort or adaptation.

There is no one-size-fits-all therapy formula.

Care cannot be reduced to productivity quotas without risking the loss of clinical nuance.

PDPM formally acknowledges what clinicians have always known: appropriate care is individualized care.

CMS’s Broader Intent: Value Over Volume

PDPM aligns with CMS’s broader movement toward value-based care. Across healthcare settings, reimbursement models increasingly reward:

• Clinical appropriateness

• Functional outcomes

• Quality measures

• Patient experience

• Efficient, effective service delivery

High-quality care is not defined by quantity alone. More services do not automatically produce better outcomes.

The industry is moving toward value. Documentation, clinical reasoning and outcomes now matter more than volume.

Operational Culture Still Matters

While PDPM removed the structural link between therapy minutes and payment, organizational culture remains critical.

Old habits can persist:

• Overemphasis on productivity metrics

• Viewing therapy through a financial lens first

• Pressure to “maximize” services

Forward-thinking facilities are using PDPM as an opportunity to realign priorities:

• Supporting clinician autonomy

• Encouraging individualized care planning

• Measuring success through outcomes and satisfaction

• Balancing efficiency with clinical integrity

The Takeaway

PDPM didn’t just change reimbursement mechanics. It validated a principle healthcare providers have long championed:

Residents are people with unique needs. They are not units to be optimized.

CMS recognizes it. The model reflects it.

Now the responsibility lies with providers to fully embrace it.

Why RehabVisions?

Therapy should strengthen your compliance position, support star ratings and drive functional outcomes, not create operational tension.

If you’re looking for a partner who understands that balance, we should connect.

Reach out to discuss how RehabVisions can help SNFs deliver highly skilled and compassionate therapy programs that are clinically appropriate and survey-ready.

References

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
   Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
   Overview of the payment model that shifted SNF reimbursement from therapy minutes to resident clinical characteristics.
   https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/patient-driven-model
2. CMS.
   Medicare Program; SNF Prospective Payment System Final Rule (FY 2019).
   Details the policy rationale for replacing RUG-IV and removing therapy volume as the primary reimbursement driver.
   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/08/08/2018-16570/medicare-program-prospective-payment-system-and-consolidated-billing-for-skilled-nursing-facilities
3. CMS.
   Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP).
   Outlines CMS’s emphasis on functional outcomes and quality measures in SNFs.
   https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/snf-quality-reporting-program
4. CMS.
   Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program.
   Explains how reimbursement is increasingly tied to performance and outcomes.
   https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/value-based-programs/snf-vbp
5. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).
   Reports to Congress on Medicare Payment Policy.
   Provides analysis of SNF payment systems and the policy considerations that led to reform.
   https://www.medpac.gov/document-type/report/

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Many therapists want to grow faster, practice with more autonomy and make a visible impact. But they aren’t sure where that kind of environment truly exists.

For years, large metropolitan systems have been positioned as the epicenter of opportunity. The assumption has been simple: more volume equals more growth.

But that assumption deserves a closer look.

Increasingly, therapists are discovering that community-based practice, particularly in rural and regional settings, often accelerates development in ways highly segmented systems cannot.

Growth Happens Where You’re Trusted

Early-career therapists frequently ask: “How long until I feel confident?”

Confidence develops when clinicians are trusted to think critically, adapt interventions and manage diverse caseloads — not when they are narrowly siloed.

In community-based models, therapists often experience:

• Broader diagnostic diversity

• Cross-setting exposure (hospital inpatient/outpatient, SNF, ALF, home health, schools, outpatient clinics)

• Meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration

• Earlier ownership of clinical decision-making

• Direct visibility into patient outcomes

Rather than functioning as a small component within a large, rigid structure, therapists become primary drivers of care.

That level of responsibility accelerates clinical judgment.

Clinical Autonomy Is Not a Luxury. It’s a Multiplier.

Across the industry, clinicians frequently report feeling constrained by productivity metrics, templated care pathways and limited decision-making authority.

When autonomy is reduced, creativity diminishes. When creativity diminishes, engagement declines.

True professional growth requires:

• The freedom to individualize care

• Trust in clinical reasoning

• Supportive operational partnership (not micromanagement)

• Mentorship that develops judgment, not dependence

Creativity in therapy is not about improvisation for its own sake. It is the disciplined application of expertise to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Environments that encourage this kind of clinical freedom consistently see stronger engagement from both therapists and patients.

The First 90 Days Matter More Than Most Realize

The transition into a new role often determines long-term satisfaction.

An intentional onboarding experience should include:

• A supported productivity ramp

• Structured mentorship and collaboration

• Exposure to varied patient populations

• Operational leaders who are accessible and aligned with clinical priorities

• Early opportunities to contribute meaningfully

When therapists feel supported early, confidence and growth will follow.

Therapist-Managed. Therapist-Driven.

One of the most powerful differentiators in community-based organizations is governance structure.

When therapists are managed by therapists — and when patient care decisions are made by fellow clinicians who understand the realities of patient care — alignment improves.

Operational strategy supports clinical quality rather than competing with it.

That level of alignment fosters trust.

And trust fosters growth.

Impact Is Visible and Personal

In smaller communities, care is not abstract.

Therapists often treat neighbors, teachers, coaches, farmers and local business owners. The impact of rehabilitation is visible not just in discharge summaries, but in daily life.

Patients return to work.
Students return to classrooms.
Grandparents return to family roles.

For many clinicians, that visibility restores the reason they entered the profession.

Choosing the Right Environment

For therapists evaluating their first role — or their next one — the most important question may not be “Where is the largest system?” but rather:

• Where will I be trusted?

• Where will I see diverse cases?

• Where will mentorship be intentional?

• Where will my clinical judgment be respected?

• Where will my work matter in tangible ways?

Growth rarely happens in rigid, highly segmented systems.

It happens where autonomy, support and community intersect.

Exploring Opportunities with RehabVisions

At RehabVisions, we partner with hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient settings across community-based markets. Our model emphasizes:

• Clinical autonomy and trust

• Therapist-led decision-making

• Diverse practice settings and patient populations

• Collaborative operational support

• Mentorship and continuing education investment

• Flexibility in scheduling and career paths

For therapists seeking accelerated professional growth, meaningful community impact, and a practice environment built on trust, we invite you to explore our open positions.

View current opportunities at RehabVisions or connect with Talent Acquisition to learn more about joining our team. 

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Rehab therapy is a vital part of the patient journey. But maintaining a high-performing therapy department can be challenging due to staffing shortages, reimbursement pressures, regulatory complexity and rising labor costs.

That’s where a contract therapy partner like RehabVisions can help.

Explore Partnership Options

If you’ve never explored a relationship with a contract therapy partner, here’s what you can expect:

What a Contract Therapy Partner Delivers

1. Recruiting & Staff Development

Building a strong therapy program starts with the right team. A contract partner supports your staffing strategy by providing:

• Access to robust recruiting networks and top-tier candidates

• Training and professional development programs

• Support with retention and engagement strategies

• Workforce planning to align with patient volume and market needs

2. Reduced Labor and Administrative Costs

Facilities can relieve internal strain by outsourcing therapy leadership, oversight and staffing management—resulting in:

• Lower administrative and management burden

• Reduced overhead

• Greater cost predictability and operational stability

3. Strategic Program Growth

A therapy partner doesn’t just manage your current services; we help you expand and evolve them. You can expect support with:

• Assessing current service offerings and patient needs

• Identifying opportunities for growth and differentiation

• Expanding services so patients can access advanced care without leaving the community

4. Improved Patient Experience & Outcomes

Patients benefit most when therapy teams are well-trained, engaged and supported. Streamlining inefficiencies allows therapists to focus on what matters most: patient care.
The result is:

• Stronger outcomes

• Higher patient satisfaction

• Better continuity of care

5. Compliance Expertise

Regulations and payer guidelines change constantly, making compliance a major challenge for therapy departments. A contract partner provides:

• Experienced compliance experts

• Ongoing education and training

• Documentation support and accountability systems

• Proactive monitoring to reduce risk

This enables your facility’s compliance team to focus on other priorities with confidence.

6. Increased Revenue and Program Sustainability

A well-managed therapy program can become a meaningful contributor to a facility’s financial success. A therapy partner helps drive:

• Expanded service offerings and referrals

• Fewer billing errors

• Improved documentation and reimbursements

• Increased productivity and operational performance

The Bottom Line

Outsourcing your physical, occupational and speech therapy services can help your facility overcome strategic and administrative hurdles while strengthening the quality and consistency of care.

Why RehabVisions

With nearly 45 years of experience partnering with facilities, RehabVisions brings the knowledge, expertise and operational resources needed to:

• Stabilize staffing

• Improve patient outcomes

• Ensure compliance

• Expand therapy services

• Strengthen financial performance

The Bottom Line

Outsourcing your physical, occupational and speech therapy services can help your facility overcome strategic and administrative hurdles while strengthening the quality and consistency of care.

RehabVisions can help you optimize your therapy program while keeping patient care at the center. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Strengthen Your Therapy Program Without Sacrificing Quality of Care appeared first on RehabVisions.

Clinicians like Gaela Leatherman, PT, DPT, Melissa Powers, OT, Wendy Leinan, PTA, Katherine Brorman, PT, DPT, and Stephanie Foust, PT, ScD all began as students completing rotations at our facilitues. What they found was mentorship, professional support and a culture that valued their education and their long-term goals.

Today, they’re valued team members making an impact in the communities they serve.

If you’re considering your next step after clinicals, graduation or any other point in your career path, let these journeys show you what a future at RehabVisions can look like.

Gaela Leatherman, PT, DPT

Melissa Powers, OT and Wendy Leinan, PTA

Katherine Brorman, PT, DPT

Stephanie Foust, PT, ScD

Want to learn more about building a career with RehabVisions? Contact our Talent Acquisition Team today.

View open positions.

The post Your Career Starts Here: Real Stories from Former Students appeared first on RehabVisions.

Rehab Director Emily Guggenberger, COTA/L, CLT, quickly stepped in with a team of therapists to guide Joan’s rehabilitation journey. The therapy team set initial goals for Joan, which included increasing sitting balance and bed mobility with a plan to progress to using a mechanical lift for transfers.

Despite medical setbacks, Joan was dedicated to the effort—and Emily and her team never stopped believing in her.

Over the course of nine months, Joan advanced from complete dependence on mechanical lifts to pivot transfers — and then finally amazed everyone by walking with a front-wheeled walker. The therapy team also addressed Joan’s broader needs, including lymphedema treatment and management, fitting for a custom ultralight manual wheelchair, and obtaining diabetic shoes.

With a home safety assessment and caregiver training completed, Joan was prepared to return home safely.

Even after discharge, Joan’s progress continued. She graduated from home health therapy services and was able to return to Mother of Mercy for outpatient therapy. With determination and the support of her caring therapists, Joan achieved abilities once thought impossible.

Joan’s recovery is a testament not only to her persistence but also to the compassionate expertise of her rehabilitation team. Together, they turned a challenging journey into a remarkable success story.

At RehabVisions, stories like Joan’s happen because of trusted partnerships with facilities like Mother of Mercy. Our experienced rehab teams bring compassion, clinical expertise and measurable outcomes to every patient we serve.

If your facility is looking to strengthen therapy outcomes, streamline operations and grow revenue, learn more about partnering with RehabVisions.

If you’re a therapist seeking a supportive environment where you can grow your career and change lives, RehabVisions may be the place for you. Let’s build the next success story together.

The post From Setback to Strength: The Power of Rehabilitation Therapy appeared first on RehabVisions.

That’s why balance and fall prevention remain central goals in rehab therapy.

Why Older Adults Fall More Often

Age-related changes in strength, vision, coordination and reaction time all add up to increased risk. Chronic health conditions, multiple medications and unsafe environments compound the problem. Fall prevention isn’t about addressing just one factor; it requires a layered approach that targets the physical, functional and environmental causes.

How Rehab Therapists Reduce Fall Risk

Rehab therapists bring expertise that goes far beyond generic exercise programs:

• Physical Therapy (PT): PTs design individualized balance, gait and strength interventions to restore mobility and build confidence. They work directly on the mechanics of safe walking, transfers and upright posture.

• Occupational Therapy (OT): OTs look at the real-world context. From suggesting adaptive equipment to modifying a bathroom layout, they ensure patients can move safely in their daily routines. They also train patients in strategies like task simplification and pacing to stay independent without unnecessary risk.

• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): SLPs also play a vital role in overall rehabilitation. By improving communication, they reduce confusion and provide support for more effective care. By addressing swallowing challenges, they help maintain nutrition and hydration — essential foundations for strength, balance and recovery.

More Than Just “Don’t Fall”

A successful fall prevention program isn’t only about reducing accidents. It’s about preserving quality of life. Our therapy teams:

• Provide task-specific training that builds safer habits through repetition

• Recommend environmental adjustments like lighting, contrast and layout for improved safety

• Engage caregivers and staff in reinforcing safety strategies

• Help patients maintain confidence so fear doesn’t lead to withdrawal and inactivity

The Bigger Picture for Facilities

When rehab therapy is integrated into fall prevention efforts, the outcomes are clear:

• Fewer ER visits and hospital readmissions from fall-related injuries

• Slower decline in functional independence

• Lower incidence of caregiver injuries from falls and transfers at home

• Reduced risk of staff strain and injury during patient care at facility

• Stronger facility reputation and reimbursement outcomes

Our Approach at RehabVisions

At RehabVisions, we build fall prevention and balance programs around each patient’s physical abilities, health conditions and environment. Whether it’s a targeted strength plan, caregiver training or practical safety modifications, our therapists focus on keeping older adults safer, stronger and more independent.

Partner With Us

Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities: Looking for a trusted partner? RehabVisions delivers comprehensive physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Our contract partnerships deliver measurable value to your organization by enhancing patient outcomes, strengthening care quality and optimizing continuity of care.

Therapists: If you’re a PT, OT or SLP passionate about helping patients maintain independence, RehabVisions offers the chance to do work that matters. Your expertise is recognized, your growth is supported and your patients benefit every day.

The post Fall Prevention and Balance: How Rehab Therapy Makes A Difference appeared first on RehabVisions.

At RehabVisions, we’re redefining physical therapy through technology and data-driven care. Better data can lead to better outcomes. That’s why several of the clinics in our Outpatient Clinic division are leveraging emerging technologies like VALD Force Plates and NEUBIE to elevate the standard of care in physical therapy.

These tools aren’t just impressive additions to our clinics. They reflect our larger commitment to clinical excellence, outcomes-driven practice and being at the forefront of innovation in physical therapy.

Turning Movement Into Measurable Insights

VALD Force Plates are a sophisticated movement analysis tool that allow therapists to objectively assess strength, asymmetries, balance and neuromuscular control, all in real time.

Whether it’s guiding post-operative recovery, refining athletic performance or identifying subtle gait abnormalities, this data-rich system gives our clinicians the insights they need to design highly personalized and precise rehab plans.

Rather than relying solely on subjective observation, our therapists can track improvement through tangible metrics. This enhances clinical decision-making, accelerates recovery timelines and improves patient buy-in by demonstrating progress in clear, measurable ways.

Advancing Neuromuscular Recovery

Another innovation gaining traction in our clinics is NEUBIE (Neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator), a device that uses Direct Current (DC) to stimulate the nervous system and promote faster healing.

NEUBIE is particularly effective for patients dealing with neuropathy, chronic pain or motor control impairments. Unlike traditional electrical stimulation, NEUBIE allows clinicians to pinpoint dysfunction and actively retrain the nervous system, often resulting in rapid improvements in movement and pain reduction.

The technology is supported by growing clinical evidence and offers a non-invasive, medication-free approach to difficult-to-treat conditions. For therapists trained in its application, NEUBIE opens the door to a new level of results-driven care.

Leading Through Technology-Driven Care

Investments in emerging technology reflect RehabVisions’ broader mission: to continually raise the standard of care across all therapy settings, from outpatient settings to skilled nursing facilities and hospital-based environments.

For facilities considering outsourcing their physical, occupational and speech therapy departments, RehabVisions offers a distinct advantage. Our forward-thinking model not only brings highly qualified therapists to the table, but also the tools, systems and clinical support to implement advanced technologies in a meaningful, cost-effective way.

And for therapists who want to work in an environment where innovation is embraced and clinical growth is supported, RehabVisions offers a dynamic, team-centered workplace with access to cutting-edge tools and ongoing training.

The post Investing in Innovation appeared first on RehabVisions.

Led by Director of Talent Acquisition Chris Marx, Talent Partners Liz Taylor, José Trujillo, Breanna Arnold and Tony Marino play a vital role in connecting skilled rehab therapists with facilities and communities across the regions we serve.

In a competitive job market shaped by ongoing workforce challenges, their collaboration, persistence and commitment to candidates continue to drive steady hiring growth year after year. “We support and care about each other as well as our candidates,” says Chris.

Chris Marx
Director of Talent Acquisition

Chris got into the staffing business decades ago because he is inquisitive, enjoys people and finds human behavior fascinating.

“I really enjoy the satisfaction of when the timing, fit, location and opportunity fall into place for the right candidate.”

As a child, Chris would pick up an atlas and study states, cities and populations. “I’m not as adept at these details now,” says Chris, “but back then, I could rattle off city and state populations with accuracy.”

Having the opportunity to be exposed to diverse personalities and cultures appeals to Chris’ natural sense of curiosity. “I enjoy learning about all aspects of the towns and facilities we serve. Every location has something to offer the right person.”

Not everyone who works with Chris now may realize his journey with RehabVisions originally began in the late 1990s. After leaving for a different opportunity, Chris told his wife that this was the company that he’d return to if the opportunity ever presented itself – which it did roughly a decade ago.

“Much of my decision to return centered around the stability of RehabVisions’ leadership and mission,” says Chris.  “Being part of a therapist-founded and managed company built on the desire to uplift the communities it serves is a great advantage when trying to attract people to come work for us.”

Chris’s advice for those considering a career in rehab therapy is to recognize its demands and appreciate its many fulfilling rewards. As far as his own career in talent acquisition, Chris concludes, “It’s probably the best career decision I’ve made.”

Liz Taylor
Talent Partner

For Liz, being a Talent Partner at RehabVisions extends far beyond filling positions; it’s about changing lives.

“Knowing that my efforts can help people not only find fulfilling careers but also create opportunities to make better lives for themselves and their families is the most fulfilling part of what I do,” she says.

Ensuring a positive candidate experience is at the heart of Liz’s approach. During the recruitment process, she shares information about RehabVisions’ values and mission, sets clear expectations and encourages open dialogue.  She is the primary advocate for her candidates and is dedicated to answering their questions and helping them find the right fit for their talents.

Finding therapists willing to embrace rural settings and serve as versatile practitioners can sometimes be challenging — but what distinguishes RehabVisions in this competitive field is “our genuine commitment to both employees and community service,” says Liz. “I love finding candidates whose goals align with our mission.”

Liz also loves working with her team. “We all have complementary strengths,” she says. “I know I can always count on them.”

José Trujillo
Talent Partner

The most rewarding part of José‘s job is the chance to meet people from all over the country and build meaningful and impactful relationships.

“It’s fulfilling to connect with so many talented therapists,” says José. “I love helping them find opportunities that align with their professional goals and our mission to serve smaller communities.”

When recruiting therapists, certain qualities and skills are “non-negotiable” for José.

“I certainly look for candidates who are skilled and knowledgeable in their respective fields — but they must also be compassionate, adaptable and dedicated,” says José. “Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset and a commitment to ongoing professional development are also essential.”

One of José’s proudest moments was successfully recruiting a highly skilled therapist for a particularly challenging position as Rehab Director in a remote rural area.

“This particular new hire’s impact on the community has been profound.” says José. “Seeing the impact this person makes on the team and in patients’ lives every day is incredibly gratifying.”

Breanna Arnold
Talent Partner

Breanna thrives on making the perfect connection — when the right therapist is placed in the right facility and both sides feel energized about the future. “I love being able to connect therapists with facilities and communities where they can make a meaningful impact,” she says.

For Breanna, strong communication helps create a seamless and positive hiring process. “I make sure to follow up in a timely manner so candidates feel supported from start to finish,” she says. “Providing consistent updates helps everything run more smoothly.”

In a competitive hiring environment where therapists are often considering multiple opportunities, staying connected early and often is the key to making a successful hire. Breanna fully engages with candidates while maintaining open communication throughout the interview process.

Breanna seeks out therapists who not only have “a passion for patient care and willingness to learn,” but also “a commitment to making positive impact in their workplace and the community.”

Her proudest moments come from filling critical roles that have nearly immediate results on her facilities. “Seeing excitement from both the candidate and the hiring manager when we get a perfect fit makes all the effort worth it,” says Breanna.

And when it comes to her team, Breanna is grateful for the collaboration. “We support each other, share ideas and celebrate wins together,” she says. “Everyone on the team cares about the people we place and about each other.”

Tony Marino
Talent Partner

Tony brings a relationship-driven approach to talent acquisition, grounded in years of experience guiding therapists through pivotal stages of their careers. What he finds most rewarding is seeing the long-term impact of those connections by supporting new graduates as they grow into leadership roles and helping clinicians reach meaningful personal and professional milestones along the way.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the human connection and the trust that develops,” says Tony. “Being part of someone’s career progression and staying connected over the years is incredibly fulfilling.”

Tony ensures a positive candidate experience by listening first. Through open-ended questions and thoughtful dialogue, he gains a clear understanding of each clinician’s goals and priorities. He then provides detailed guidance on what to expect throughout the hiring and onboarding process, minimizing surprises and building confidence. Consistent follow-up and communication reinforce his investement in each candidate’s success.

In Tony’s view, what sets RehabVisions apart is its therapist-founded leadership model and strong clinical foundation. “We eat, breathe and sleep therapy,” he says. “That authenticity resonates with candidates.” RehabVisions’ patient-centered, one-on-one care model attracts clinicians who are motivated by outcomes and community impact.

Tony focuses on maintaining a highly curated pipeline of strong candidates, emphasizing quality over quantity. By understanding both the facility’s needs and the clinician’s strengths in detail, he helps create placements where both sides feel confident and aligned.

“It’s a team effort,” Tony says. “My role is to be an advocate and advisor by helping therapists move closer to their goals.”

Do you know someone who would be a great fit at RehabVisions? Our Talent Acquisition team would love to hear about them. 

The post Behind the Scenes: Meet the Talent Acquisition Team at RehabVisions appeared first on RehabVisions.

The good news? You don’t need sweeping changes to see meaningful results. These five focused strategies can help therapy teams work smarter without losing sight of what matters most.

1. Fine-Tune Scheduling and Planning
Effective scheduling sets the tone for the entire day. Digital tools that minimize no-shows and help fill open slots keep therapists productive. Thoughtfully planned sessions — built around clear goals — give therapists a stronger framework to deliver care efficiently. Even small changes like adjusting shift coverage during peak hours can make a measurable difference.

2. Put the Right Technology to Work
When technology is thoughtfully implemented, it lightens the load. Mobile documentation, EMRs and digital workflow tools can cut down on administrative time and help manage caseloads more effectively. But tech should support patient care, not get in the way. Training is key to making sure tools actually work for your team.

3. Invest in Your People and Encourage Collaboration
Skilled, confident therapists get more done — and do it well. Ongoing training sharpens clinical efficiency and keeps staff aligned with best practices. Interdisciplinary collaboration between PTs, OTs, and SLPs can streamline planning and reduce duplication. Mentorship programs also help new hires get up to speed faster, reducing early turnover.

4. Balance Caseloads With Purpose
Too much weight on one therapist can lead to burnout and inconsistent care. Reviewing caseloads regularly, and assigning them based on experience and complexity, helps maintain momentum. Offloading non-clinical tasks to assistants or aides allows therapists to focus on treatment, not paperwork.

5. Strengthen Communication and Feedback Loops
Departments that communicate well tend to operate more smoothly. Regular team huddles and open conversations between leadership and staff help surface problems early and encourage shared solutions. When therapists have a voice in process improvements, buy-in goes up — and so does productivity.

Improving rehab productivity doesn’t mean lowering your standards. With the right systems in place, teams can treat more patients effectively while maintaining the high level of care that defines great therapy.

Want help streamlining workflows while preserving clinical excellence? Partner with RehabVisions. We specialize in contract therapy services that combine operational efficiency with a strong focus on quality outcomes. Let’s talk about how we can support your facility.

The post 5 Ways to Improve Rehab Productivity Without Sacrificing Quality appeared first on RehabVisions.

With the expertise of Katherine (Kate) Brorman, PT and the rest of RehabVisions’ therapy team at our partner facility—Dalhart Physical Therapy—Kyler has been able to keep his dream alive and stay on track for the next level of competition.

Katherine (Kate) Brorman, PT (RehabVisions)

Kyler’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a high-performing athlete, he pushes his body to the limits—and that kind of intensity can take a toll. When he first came to Dalhart Physical Therapy, he was facing an injury that threatened to derail his goals. That’s when Kate, his physical therapist, stepped in.

“Kyler is an incredibly driven athlete,” says Kate. “From day one, he was committed to his recovery. Our job was to make sure he had the tools, treatment and support to not just heal, but to return to competition stronger than before.”

Through a personalized rehab plan, Kate and her team focused on a mix of strength training, mobility work and injury prevention strategies tailored to Kyler’s specific sport demands. Along the way, they worked closely with him to ensure he could progress safely without jeopardizing his future performance.

“Rehab therapy isn’t just about recovering from an injury—it’s about preparing for what comes next,” Kate explains. “For Kyler, that meant making sure he had the stability, endurance and confidence to compete at the highest level.”

Student athlete, Kyler Read, with his RehabVisions’ therapy team—Stephanie Foust, PT/Rehab Director (left) and Katherine Brorman, PT (right)—on his signing day.

Now, with his recovery on track, Kyler is ready to take on the next chapter of his athletic career. Thanks to the dedication of RehabVisions’ highly skilled therapists at Dalhart Physical Therapy, he’s not just getting back to the game—he’s moving forward with a foundation that will support him for years to come.

At RehabVisions, we take pride in supporting physical therapists like Kate, who make a direct impact on patient outcomes. Whether it’s helping an athlete get back in the game or guiding patients to better movement and function, our therapists bring clinical excellence to every setting.

Looking for a trusted therapy partner? RehabVisions provides contract rehab therapy services that elevate patient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. Let’s talk about how we can support your facility with exceptional therapy services.

Interested in a career where you can make a real difference? Join our team of outstanding rehab therapists and be part of a company that values expertise, collaboration and patient-focused care. Explore opportunities with RehabVisions today!

The post Moving Forward: How Therapy Keeps Athletes in the Game appeared first on RehabVisions.

It’s also the perfect time to celebrate the heart and passion that RehabVisions’ physical, occupational and speech therapists bring to their work every day.

Our therapists don’t just provide treatment; they put their hearts into improving lives, helping patients regain independence and supporting one another as a team.

Here’s what our therapists have to say about why they love the work they do:

• “I love having the freedom to be creative with treatments, making them meaningful to the patient.”
• “I am inspired by the spark in a patient’s eye when they do something that they haven’t done in a long time—or something they couldn’t have done without our help.”
• “I love my team, always willing to help out when asked or if they see a need. We work hard together to make therapy enjoyable and beneficial.”
• “I love the support and ability to feel connected, even virtually from afar!”
• “I love being able to advocate for our clients and improve their quality of life.”
• “I love the flexibility in scheduling that I have so that I can be present as a therapist and a mom.”
• “I love to work with the most amazing clinicians and support team! I’m so proud of our entire team at our location—and the excellent care we provide to all of our patients and clients.”
• “I love helping people reach their goals and return to what they are passionate about!”
• “I love my PT/OT staff because everyone jumps in without complaining or even needing to verbalize the work load. Everyone just does what needs to be done. These are tremendous people, tremendous managers. What a rush and joy to work with them!”
• I love that my team members are so caring, kind — and like family! We are always here for each other to lift each other up and provide kind words of advice when needed.

At RehabVisions, our therapists don’t just provide treatment; they change lives.

They help their patients regain independence, overcome challenges and live to their fullest potential—all while thriving in a supportive, collaborative environment that also nurtures their own well-being and growth.

If you’re a therapist looking for a supportive team and a chance to make a difference, we’d love to connect with you. Learn more about RehabVisions’ career opportunities and grow with us!

The post The Heart of Rehab Therapy: Why Our Therapists Love What They Do appeared first on RehabVisions.

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Cost savings – Outsourcing therapy services can be a cost-effective way to provide therapy services to patients. It can reduce the costs associated with hiring and training in-house therapists and maintaining a full-time therapy department.

Flexibility – Outsourcing therapy services allows your hospital to provide therapy contract services on an as-needed basis. This can be especially beneficial if your hospital does not have a consistent need for therapy services.

Expertise – An outsourced therapy provider may have specialized training in certain areas, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. This can be helpful if your hospital does not have in-house therapists who specialize in these areas.

Quality of care – Outsourced therapy providers may have a pool of experienced therapists to draw from to provide high-quality physical therapy contract services. They can also provide ongoing training and support, ensuring your staff provides the highest quality care.

Risk reduction – Partnering with an outsourced therapy provider can help your hospital transfer some of the liability associated with providing therapy, such as risk of errors or adverse events.

Focus on core competencies – Outsourcing therapy services allows your leadership team to focus on the hospital’s core competencies and redirect resources toward the primary mission of providing high quality care.

Overall, outsourcing therapy services can be a beneficial option for hospitals looking to increase revenue and decrease costs while ensuring high quality care.

Interested in outsourcing your therapy services?

It’s important to consider your organization’s goals and then choose a provider that aligns with your needs.

Contact RehabVisions today for an assessment of your current program and future goals. Learn how contracting your rehab therapy services can positively impact your bottom line while helping you deliver exceptional care and foster deeper connections with those you serve.

The post 6 Reasons to Outsource Your Therapy Services appeared first on RehabVisions.

As May marks National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, speech-language pathologists such as RehabVisions’ Lindsey Ascheman, SLP (Dickinson, ND) are a testament to the transformative power of speech therapy in the physical, social and emotional development of a child.

For parents and caregivers, few issues are as worrisome as feeding and swallowing difficulties in children. In addition to the obvious concerns about physical growth and getting enough nutrients, untreated feeding and swallowing disorders can lead to health, learning and social problems.

For speech-language pathologists like Lindsey Ascheman, SLP, specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy is not just a profession; it’s a calling fueled by a passion for empowering young lives.

Lindsey’s commitment to helping young patients thrive despite structural and functional obstacles led her to pursue a high-level, 12-week certification in Feed the Peds, a comprehensive approach that encompasses everything from understanding feeding development from birth, addressing tethered oral tissues and adapting myofunctional therapy for children with cognitive abilities under the age of four.

Lindsey Ascheman, SLP, works at RehabVisions’ physical, occupational and speech therapy outpatient clinic in Dickinson, ND.

“I wanted to better assist my patients in their progression, especially those facing significant challenges from feeding disorders,” Lindsey explains. “Feed the Peds offered me a holistic understanding as well as the practical tools to make a real difference.”

Each session is tailored to the unique needs of the child, often lasting up to an hour. The session typically includes assessments, sensory warm-ups, oral motor exercises and practical coaching for parents on home exercises.

But what truly makes the therapy engaging and effective are the playful elements integrated into each session.

“Engagement is key,” Lindsey emphasizes. “By incorporating games and playful interactions with food, we create a safe space for children to explore and experiment without pressure.”

From playing “hot potato” with vegetables to turning feeding into an adventurous journey of driving or flying food into a bin, every activity is designed to build tolerance and foster positive associations with eating.

“Parent involvement is crucial in this process,” Lindsey asserts. “When parents attend sessions and actively participate, they gain invaluable insights into their child’s abilities and challenges.”

Together with parents, Lindsey develops achievable plans for families to continue therapy at home, ensuring continuity and progress beyond the therapy room.

The overarching goal of Feed the Peds therapy is to equip children with the skills and confidence to expand their diet safely while reducing the risk of choking or aspiration.

“Every small improvement is a victory,” says Lindsey. “It’s about nurturing progress and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.”

For parents considering therapy for their child’s feeding or swallowing issues, Lindsey offers reassurance and hope.

“Choosing a therapist certified in Feed the Peds means choosing expertise, compassion and a commitment to ongoing learning,” Lindsey explains. “It means placing your child’s well-being in capable hands and embarking on a journey of growth together.”

Pediatric speech therapy can help children find their voices and families discover resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive,” says Lindsey. “It’s an honor to be part of their journey.”

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Interested in becoming a rehabilitation therapist at RehabVisions? If you’d like to explore your career options, we can help. Learn more about job opportunities with the RehabVisions team.

The post Beyond Words: Treating Feeding Issues with Pediatric Speech Therapy appeared first on RehabVisions.

What makes this clinic such a unique addition to the Amarillo and Canyon (Texas) area? “We embrace the RehabVisions philosophy of treating patients as a whole person rather than just a body part or diagnosis,” says clinic manager Audrey Lamberson, PT. “People who have had physical therapy at other clinics regularly tell us that they have a completely different opinion of therapy under our care.”

RehabVisions Physical Therapy officially opened its doors in the Amarillo and Canyon area in late 2023.

The RehabVisions Canyon team includes Maegan Harder, PT, and Rikki Hanson, PTA.

“The three of us have worked well together as colleagues in the past,” says Audrey. “We’re excited to be working with each other again in our beautiful new clinic.”

“Maegan has primarily focused on pediatric therapy during her 13 years as a PT and is a Level C certified expert in Dynamic Movement Intervention, a unique type of pediatric therapy that is hard to come by,” says Audrey. “Rikki works with a variety of patients but has a highly skilled and compassionate approach to geriatrics and sports rehab.”

Audrey herself has worked at two RehabVisions clinics and has extensive experience with a wide range of diagnoses across the lifespan. She also continues to lead the team at Dumas Physical Therapy, our outpatient clinic in Dumas, Texas.

Maegan, Rikki and Audrey have provided physical therapy in hospitals, skilled nursing, home health and outpatient clinic settings, making them uniquely equipped to offer care throughout the entirety of the rehab process.

“Our depth of experience and skills allow us to address situations where other therapists in our area may not have much experience,” says Audrey.

The RehabVisions team continues to foster a sense of trust with providers, local schools, fellow businesses and residents.

“All of us live in or near this area and have strong relationships in place with the community,” says Audrey. “We are also members of the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, and I am an active participant in their monthly Women in Business meetings to further the community’s awareness of the benefits of physical therapy on quality of life.”

The team moved into the newly-built clinic in November 2023. RehabVisions Canyon held its official grand opening a month later with a ribbon-cutting and open house for the community.

“We were incredibly impressed with the huge turnout and local buzz at our grand opening,” says Audrey. “It was encouraging to see how many people were genuinely excited to welcome RehabVisions as part of the Canyon and Amarillo community.”

Leading a team committed to serving their patients and the community fills Audrey with excitement for a bright future ahead. “With such a fantastic team and the incredible support we have — both from the home office and our local community — there’s nowhere to go but up!”

RehabVisions also provides exceptional contract therapy services for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Contact RehabVisions today to learn how we can enhance rehabilitation services while maximizing both patient and financial outcomes.

The post RehabVisions Expands to the Amarillo and Canyon Communities appeared first on RehabVisions.

Sports Rehab Professional Therapy Associates has been a therapist-owned contract therapy provider in Northwest Iowa for over four decades. Its therapists operate from seven locations — including contracted services at three area hospitals and a skilled nursing facility — and three company-owned outpatient clinics in Storm Lake, Cherokee and Denison.

Like RehabVisions, Sports Rehab also celebrated its 40th anniversary recently. This team brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in providing exceptional physical, occupational and speech therapy services to the communities it serves.

“We are excited to be part of an organization like RehabVisions that mirrors us in the therapy industry and also shares our belief in a friendly, family-like atmosphere,” said Melissa Green, a partner in the company.

Melissa is also pleased to gain support and industry knowledge in the areas of recruitment, compliance and marketing, while being able to offer more affordable healthcare and other benefits for employees.

When asked what makes Sports Rehab a special place, Melissa immediately mentions the therapy team. “I love how our therapists work together across different locations to help each other provide the best possible care for our patients. They’re constantly seeking to enhance and expand their treatment skills each year.”

With a shared commitment to providing excellent patient care while making a positive impact in the communities we serve, Sports Rehab’s mission aligns seamlessly with that of RehabVisions.

“Our therapists and staff actively support the communities where they live and work — whether it’s through volunteer coaching positions, participation on school boards, athletic boosters, foundation committees or personally organizing outside events,” says Melissa. “We strive to contribute to the vitality of the community.”

As we integrate Sports Rehab into our collective journey, we look forward to strengthening our commitment to delivering the highest standard of rehabilitation therapy services.

Welcome to the RehabVisions family, Sports Rehab!

Are you looking for exceptional contract therapy services for your hospital or skilled nursing facility? Or perhaps, as with Sports Rehab, you’re considering transitioning your private outpatient clinic to join an organization dedicated to excellence in rehabilitation therapy.

Contact RehabVisions today to learn how we can enhance rehabilitation services while maximizing both patient and financial outcomes.

The post Therapy Excellence: Sports Rehab Joins RehabVisions appeared first on RehabVisions.

Throughout many occupational therapy sessions, a patient expressed ongoing concerns about her challenges with self-feeding; specifically, how embarrassed she felt eating in front of others due to her fear of spilling food. Despite using assistive devices — including built-up handles and curved utensils — the issue persisted.

While researching how she could help improve her patient’s quality of life, our therapist discovered the LiftWare Starter Kit. Using some of the same cutting-edge technology used in phone cameras, this innovative, self-leveling utensil helped prevent food spills.

Our therapist and a group of her co-workers decided to purchase the utensil as a graduation present for the patient who had recently earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Life Studies despite dealing with her rehab challenges.

After receiving the utensil, the patient was able to eat various foods without spilling a drop — a small feat to many, but one that brought her immense joy and a renewed sense of independence.

Our therapist and her colleagues had initially told the patient that the utensil was acquired for demo purposes only —  but in reality, they had each contributed to purchase it for her. The patient, who had been reluctant to have to part with the life-changing utensil, was overwhelmed with gratitude.

The following day, the patient sent our therapist a video of herself confidently eating lunch in her workplace lunchroom. She shared how the gift provided her with more independence than she had ever anticipated, leaving our occupational therapist proud and fulfilled in the role she played in helping her patient live her best life.

Through this simple, yet extremely thoughtful gesture, our occupational therapist bestowed not only a gift, but a remarkable sense of independence to her patient.

We are so proud of the compassionate and highly-skilled care provided by RehabVisions therapists across the country whose dedication continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients they serve.

The post Giving Independence with a Single Spoon appeared first on RehabVisions.

Below are eight reasons why it’s important to maintain updated hospital chargemasters.

1. Regulatory compliance: An up-to-date chargemaster ensures the hospital meets regulatory requirements, avoiding potential penalties or legal issues.
2. Accurate billing: By keeping the CDM current, hospitals can ensure accurate and consistent billing for services rendered. This helps enhance transparency and build trust with patients, which ultimately improves patient satisfaction.
3. Reimbursement optimization: An updated chargemaster can improve negotiations and lead to better reimbursement rates with insurance companies and government payers, positively impacting the hospital’s financial health.
4. Efficient revenue cycle management: A properly maintained chargemaster helps reduce billing errors, decrease claim denials and accelerate payment collections, leading to improved hospital cash flow.
5. Cost control: By understanding the true costs associated with various services and procedures, hospitals can identify opportunities for cost saving and optimize resource allocation.
6. Price transparency: In recent years, there has been a growing demand for price transparency in healthcare. Maintaining the chargemaster helps hospitals provide accurate pricing information to patients, promoting transparency and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.
7. Efficient payer negotiations: Insurance companies and other payers frequently negotiate contracts with healthcare providers. An updated chargemaster provides the hospital with accurate pricing data to support these negotiations, leading to fair agreements and better relationships with payers.
8. Data integrity: The chargemaster is an essential component of a hospital’s financial and operational data. Keeping it up to date helps the hospital ensure data integrity, which is crucial for financial reporting, decision making and strategic planning.

A comprehensive review of every hospital CDM should be completed each year to address code changes, underused charges, inconsistencies between departments, incorrect UB-04 revenue codes and pricing compared to payer contracts.

With staff having to wear many hats, CDM reviews can often fall through the cracks, but the importance of maintaining your CDM is vital. Be sure your facility has reviewed its CDM goals. Then, you can develop and implement a plan to ensure both revenue and compliance with regulatory requirements.

RehabVisions has extensive experience in chargemaster development and review for hospital therapy departments. We welcome the opportunity to discuss a partnership with your hospital. Contact us today to get the conversation started!

The post Why Keeping Your Chargemaster Updated Is More Important Than Ever appeared first on RehabVisions.

Embracing Grace: Lessons from Rick Larmore’s 40-Year Career

Despite stepping down from day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer on August 4, 2023, Rick Larmore’s hopes for the future of RehabVisions continue to shine brightly.

“I want to see us continue to provide outstanding patient care to those in need and to continue growing,” says Rick. “Especially in rural markets where high-quality services can still be harder to come by.”

Rick’s career has been one of dedication, resilience and genuine compassion.

Reflecting on the past 40 years, Rick shares some of the invaluable advice he would give his younger self: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Accept that you’re going to make some mistakes.”

A philosophy of allowing for grace during the most challenging times has inspired many who have had the privilege of working with him.

Rick leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment. As a co-founder, he played a pivotal role in building RehabVisions from his brother Joel’s vision to what it is today.

“I’m grateful for all the good that RehabVisions has brought to so many,” says Rick. When I think about all the employees and clients who stuck with us through thick and thin — that’s really what I’m most proud of.”

Maintaining a work-life balance while leading a successful organization for four decades is no small feat — especially during the early years of juggling intensive growth with raising a young family. Rick credits his wife Cheryl — “my rock through it all” — for her unwavering support.

Cheryl’s encouragement and support allowed Rick to navigate the demands of his career while still managing her own and caring for their household. Their daughters, Sarah and Chelsea, gained a deep appreciation of RehabVisions’ core values and mission. In fact, Chelsea was inspired to become a physical therapist herself, continuing the Larmore family’s legacy of care.

As for life after retirement, Rick is excited to spend more quality time with family and close friends. “I’m looking forward to traveling more, reading, cooking, golfing, managing some investments — and of course, cheering on the Huskers!”

But even in retirement, Rick’s desire to make a difference remains strong. “I’m eager to explore some volunteer opportunities to continue giving back to others.”
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Thank you, Rick Larmore, for four decades of exemplary leadership, genuine care and unwavering dedication to RehabVisions and its mission. We wish you, Cheryl and your family continued happiness and success.

The post President and COO Rick Larmore Bids Farewell appeared first on RehabVisions.

Hanna Lowther, SLP, recently joined the RehabVisions speech therapy team at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Missouri. What makes Hanna’s addition particularly special is that she is now the third generation of her family to work at Lake Regional.

Hanna Lowther, SLP

A graduate of the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Hanna first caught the attention of Chris Marx, Director of Talent Acquisition at RehabVisions, during a Mizzou career event.

Hanna’s initial goal was to secure a pediatric speech therapy position. While she does work with children in the North Kansas City school system, Hanna recently agreed to also work with RehabVisions on a PRN basis, providing her compassionate and highly-skilled care, as needed, to Lake Regional’s patients.

Karen Christensen (left) and Laurie Lowther spent significant parts of their careers at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MO.

“My grandmother, Karen Christensen, spent the majority of her nursing career at Lake Regional—25 years in total,” said Hanna. “I love telling people I meet around Lake Regional who my grandmother was because everyone adored her.”

Hanna’s mother, Laurie Lowther, followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a nurse at Lake Regional. Laurie currently serves as the program director at Lake Regional’s Wound Healing Center.

For Hanna, working at the same hospital as her mother and grandmother is not only special, but also underscores the power of relationships in the legacy of healing.

Through the collective efforts of our dedicated therapists and the commitment of our Talent Acquisition team, RehabVisions helps foster connections for our hospital partners while creating meaningful career paths for therapy professionals like Hanna.

If you’re interested in exploring your career options, we can help. Learn more about job opportunities with RehabVisions.

#smalltowncool

The post Third Generation: Hanna Lowther’s Legacy of Healing appeared first on RehabVisions.

NOW HIRING: Physical Therapist in Hiawatha, Kansas

If you’re a therapist seeking a meaningful and rewarding career path, look no further than RehabVisions’ outpatient clinic in Hiawatha, Kansas. While metropolitan areas may be appealing at first glance, the supportive environment of this remarkable small town fosters professional growth, collaboration and a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere.

From a tight-knit community to a vibrant and fulfilling professional environment, Hiawatha offers an extraordinary experience for aspiring therapists. Learn why Hiawatha is an ideal spot for those seeking a rewarding career in therapy.

A Welcoming Community

One of the most remarkable qualities of Hiawatha is its warm and welcoming community. Living in a small town allows you to forge deep connections with residents and build lasting relationships with both patients and colleagues. You’ll experience a strong sense of belonging where people genuinely care for one another.

The Halloween Frolic has been held annually in Hiawatha since 1914. In the early years, the children dressed in costumes and decorated their trikes and wagons — the first floats! This charming tradition has since expanded to include a Kiddie Parade in the afternoon that starts with hundreds of local children in costumes riding decorated bikes, trikes, wagons, horses and family floats. The Grand Parade in the evening includes dignitaries such as the Governor of Kansas and other community leaders, high school bands, large floats and Shrine units. This incredibly special night parade is the the oldest Halloween parade in the nation.

Our therapists get into the spirit by hosting a Shoebox Float Contest during Halloween and Sensory Santa / Sensory Easter Bunny visits during the holidays for children in the low-stress, calm and engaging environment of our clinic.

Diverse Patient Population

Contrary to popular belief, small towns like Hiawatha can offer a diverse patient population. Our therapists have the opportunity to work with patients of all ages, from children to the elderly, and treat a wide range of conditions. The variety of caseload not only enhances your skills but also adds depth to your professional life.

Professional Development

At RehabVisions in Hiawatha and nearby Netawaka, our therapists enjoy a unique level of professional development and autonomy. You’ll have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and collaborate with our interdisciplinary team. This environment nurtures personal growth, enhances your clinical expertise and provides you with a strong foundation for your career.

Your contribution to the community’s health and well-being also allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of the residents you serve.

Work-Life Balance

Living in a small town often translates to a healthier work-life balance. The lower cost of living and reduced commute times also contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Hiawatha offers a slower pace of life, allowing you to enjoy the simple pleasures during your downtime. Whether you prefer to explore the picturesque prairie countryside, see a movie at the local theater or dine with friends to unwind and rejuvenate —  or engage in community events like the Maple Leaf Festival, the Jingle Bell Ride and Merry and Bright Night — Hiawatha provides ample opportunities to enjoy life outside of work.

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Being an integral part of Hiawatha’s close-knit community and witnessing the positive impact you have on your patients’ lives can be immensely gratifying. You’ll experience the joy of seeing your patients’ progress, celebrating their achievements and becoming an essential pillar of support in their journey towards improved health and well-being.

If you’re thinking about making the move to small-town living, RehabVisions can help. Learn more about job opportunities in Hiawatha, Kansas and other communities.

#smalltowncool

The post Small-Town Cool: Hiawatha, Kansas appeared first on RehabVisions.

Headshot of Caleb Sorensen.

Shortly after stepping into his new role as the Rehabilitation Director at RehabVision’s CHI Health Mercy Corning location, Caleb Sorensen, PT, DPT, was presented with the opportunity to fill an adjunct teaching position at University of Nebraska Medical Center, also known as UNMC. At first, he wasn’t sure how he would juggle the two roles, let alone tell his team that he’d be giving up time at the clinic to teach a human gross anatomy lab to physical therapy students one day each week.

“I’m a clinic director, so balancing another commitment with a full-time position took a little effort, but RehabVisions was very accommodating,” Caleb says. “They didn’t seem hesitant at all. I explained what I was going to do and how I was going to balance it all, and they fully supported me in that.”

To keep things flowing in the clinic without interruption, Caleb works a longer day during the week to make up the time he spends traveling to and from Omaha as well as teaching the two-hour lab. During the lab, he trades his clinic clothes for scrubs, a white lab coat and gloves, thencruises around tables, helping with dissection and offering clinical tips on whatever areas the students are working through.

“I’ve been surprised by how much this teaching position has rekindled my focus and appreciation for my role as a physical therapist,” he says. “The students are eager to impact the lives of their future patients, and it reminds me that I’m doing that every day in the clinic.”

While the students are grinding through hours of study, Caleb gets to apply the knowledge he’s already learned when he’s at the clinic.

“From my position, it’s very satisfying to recognize the achievements that are already behind me, encourage students who are working through that process now, and then carry that energy forward into my care for patients,” he says.

In addition to serving as a clinic director and an adjunct professor, Caleb is also a proud husband and father of three – two roles RehabVisions also supports wholeheartedly.

“There’s a great work-life balance at RehabVisions,” Caleb says. “When I was a student or practicing at other places, there was a lot of pressure to see several patients in a short amount of time, but RehabVisions isn’t like that. There’s such an easy therapist-patient connection built into the blueprint of our care model that I don’t really need to be thinking about anything else when I’m with my patients.

Another factor that makes it easier for Caleb to juggle multiple roles is that he and his family live near the clinic and are fully immersed in the local community. While this isn’t necessarily a requirement, we believe it sets RehabVisions’ therapists apart from others in the industry. With a full continuum of physical, occupational and speech therapy services in more than 80 small towns in 11 states, we’re experts in rural America, and we’re proud to employ like-minded individuals who appreciate all that small towns have to offer. For more information or to find a career you love, contact us.

The post RehabVisions supports therapists in their roles in and out of the clinic appeared first on RehabVisions.

Rehab Director Steve Finn, PT, a 29-year employee of RehabVisions, has a large department at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa with eight PTs, three PTAs, three OTs and one speech therapist. Steve said he’s been in the business for 30 years and doesn’t know how to do therapy without assistants. “When I’m taking a patient to schedule their course of treatment, I explain to them that Darla and I work as a team, and we will work together to help them reach their goals.”

Many of the assistants, like Darla Hansen, PTA mentioned above, have received additional training in an area of their interest. Darla has extensive experience in wound care and has carved out a niche among the community. “She was interested when no one else was and is extremely valued for that,” Steve said.

He said he’s happy RehabVisions has provided additional education for assistants over the years. “Through RV, our PTAs have had advanced training in other things like ASTYM and lymphedema and are enabled to do everything within their scope of practice.”

Director of Operations Jennifer Flanagan, SLP said the assistants’ relationships with patients and their ongoing feedback to their supervising therapist also serves to enhance the quality of care. She cited Bobbi Hansmeier, OTA as an example. Bobbi, who has worked for RehabVisions for 21 years goes between Northgate Care Center in Waukon, Iowa and Thornton Manor in Lansing, Iowa. “Bobbi is very familiar with the community and builds great relationships with the residents and staff in the SNF facilities where she works,” Jennifer said. “These relationships are beneficial because the residents and staff feel comfortable and that increases staff follow-through and patient engagement.”

Jennifer also said assistants are another set of eyes to provide ideas and problem-solve situations to maximize patient outcomes. The value of physical and occupational assistants is multilayered, and they will continue to be an integral part of our therapy teams.

The post RehabVisions Continues to Value Therapy Assistants appeared first on RehabVisions.

RehabVisions’ founder Joel Larmore, PT grew up in Kenesaw, Nebraska, population 750, where his parents ran the local grocery store. After physical therapy school and several years in different practices, Joel started RehabVisions in 1983. His idea was to bring high-quality rehab therapy to rural communities. Since then, we’ve grown to provide physical, occupational and speech services to more than 80 small towns in 12 states. We now have contracts with hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, 14 outpatient clinics, and we serve dozens of home health agencies as well as schools and industries. With almost 40 years of experience, we’re sort of experts in rural America, and now we’re out to celebrate these communities and the people who make them so cool.

What makes small towns cool:

There’s a lot of pride in small towns. Residents of small towns choose to live in their communities and love the lifestyles it affords them. They will readily tell you why they live there and why it’s better than big cities—sense of community, spirit of high school sports, the freedom kids have, low cost of living and a slower pace of life.

Each small town is unique. RehabVisions has therapists in a town known as Little Sweden USA. We have a clinic in a town with a transcendental meditation community that brings the likes of Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities there. We manage a therapy department in a community that was the basis for the Disney movie Cars, and one of our Washington locations has less than 6000 residents but 30 wineries. We could point out something unique in all our communities.

Small towns have traditions. Whether it’s flower tours, Whole Hog Days (we also have a Rawhide Rodeo and Bull Bash), county fairs or even outhouse racing, small towns are known for some quirky local festivals and traditions that bring their communities together each year. They often do their holidays right too with big 4^th of July parades, Halloween activities and major Easter egg hunts.

Everyone knows your business. Outsiders may see this as a negative but it’s not. Because community involvement is so easy, small-town residents truly get to know their neighbors, business owners and the youth in their communities. People support local businesses, local sports and are excited when new things come to town. They want their towns to thrive, and they know that people are looking out for them just as they are looking out for the others around them.

We think all these attributes add up to some pretty cool communities, and we’re here to celebrate them. We’re often hiring therapists in these locations and need small-town cool therapists to fill our positions—like-minded individuals who appreciate all the things that make small-town living cool. Be watching our social media for profiles on some of these communities and be sure to share what makes your small town cool.

#smalltowncool

The post RehabVisions Celebrates Connection to Small Towns appeared first on RehabVisions.

RehabVisions’ founder Joel Larmore, PT grew up in Kenesaw, Nebraska, population 750, where his parents ran the local grocery store. After physical therapy school and several years in different practices, Joel started RehabVisions in 1983. His idea was to bring high-quality rehab therapy to rural communities. Since then, we’ve grown to provide physical, occupational and speech services to more than 80 small towns in 12 states. We now have contracts with hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, 14 outpatient clinics, and we serve dozens of home health agencies as well as schools and industries. With almost 40 years of experience, we’re sort of experts in rural America, and now we’re out to celebrate these communities and the people who make them so cool.

What makes small towns cool:

There’s a lot of pride in small towns. Residents of small towns choose to live in their communities and love the lifestyles it affords them. They will readily tell you why they live there and why it’s better than big cities—sense of community, spirit of high school sports, the freedom kids have, low cost of living and a slower pace of life.

Each small town is unique. RehabVisions has therapists in a town known as Little Sweden USA. We have a clinic in a town with a transcendental meditation community that brings the likes of Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities there. We manage a therapy department in a community that was the basis for the Disney movie Cars, and one of our Washington locations has less than 6000 residents but 30 wineries. We could point out something unique in all our communities.

Small towns have traditions. Whether it’s flower tours, Whole “Hawg” Days (we also have a Rawhide Rodeo and Bull Bash), county fairs or even outhouse racing, small towns are known for some quirky local festivals and traditions that bring their communities together each year. They often do their holidays right too with big 4^th of July parades, Halloween activities and major Easter egg hunts.

Everyone knows your business. Outsiders may see this as a negative but it’s not. Because community involvement is so easy, small-town residents truly get to know their neighbors, business owners and the youth in their communities. People support local businesses, local sports and are excited when new things come to town. They want their towns to thrive, and they know that people are looking out for them just as they are looking out for the others around them.

We think all these attributes add up to some pretty cool communities, and we’re here to celebrate them. We’re often hiring therapists in these locations and need small-town cool therapists to fill our positions—like-minded individuals who appreciate all the things that make small-town living cool. Be watching our social media for profiles on some of these communities and be sure to share what makes your small town cool.

#smalltowncool

The post RehabVisions Celebrates Connection to Small Towns appeared first on RehabVisions.

“I’d say one of RV’s biggest strengths is upper management is open to feedback and willing to change based on that feedback,” she said. “Our monthly leadership meetings are collaborative.” The focus is about quality therapy and partnership, not just making budget and increased productivity, she said. “There’s an openness to listening to employees and valuing everyone’s opinions.”

Kayla has also been impressed with the people at the Home Office and their knowledge of the therapists and clients in the field. “When I call Jennifer (Director of Operations Jennifer Flanagan) about a certain employee, she knows exactly who I’m talking about,” she said. And many others are aware of the happenings in our facilities. “These are personal touches that really make a difference to people,” she said.

Kayla said she was also glad the company’s continuing education opportunities were not a “take it or leave it” approach. She said our team focuses on what the therapists are reporting as most beneficial to help their location and population served. RehabVisions contracts with Medbridge, which allows therapists hundreds of online continuing education courses as well as digital exercise programs for patients.

“The exercise programs are a game-changer for our digitally savvy patients,” Kayla said. “We can just format their exercise programs on their devices.”

Along with everything else, RV therapists feel appreciated, she said. “They are recognized for going above and beyond for their facility and rewarded when they refer others.” Kayla said it’s been refreshing that there are tools in place for this cultural form of recognition and reward.

Director of Operations Jennifer Flanagan said having Kayla point out some of the internal strengths of RehabVisions had helped her, as a 25+ year employee, better appreciate the business. “Sometimes the culture is crystalized when you get a new person’s perspective,” she said. “We need to do a better job of capitalizing on these differences. Not every company has our personal level of service.”

And how does all this affect patient care? “We just have happier therapists,” Kayla said. “And that always translates to better patient care.”

The post Director Notes Personal Touches by RehabVisions That Make a Difference appeared first on RehabVisions.

The Wall at RehabVisions showcases all our rehab directors and team leaders across the company as well as our values.

One stand-out area at the Home Office is The Wall. This wall has photos of all our physical, occupational and speech therapy rehab directors and team leaders across the company as well as a polished gold-colored list of the company values—compassion, enthusiasm, respect, commitment, integrity and excellence. It was the brainchild of now President Rick Larmore to recognize the importance of our managers to the organization.

“We thought it would be a meaningful tribute—not just to see pictures of each of our managers on a daily basis but to be reminded frequently of our company values and just who it is that we’re here to support,” he said.

Rick said at the time they came up with tribute copy but ran out of room on the wall. It said: In healthcare facilities across the nation, RehabVisions’ Directors, Managers and Leads provide unparalleled leadership. They make countless contributions of time, talent and energy to bring nationwide recognition and respect for the patient care delivered by our team. They are the power that keeps RehabVisions constantly growing and improving.

Gathering the photos from people spread throughout 12 states can be challenging, but it’s an important tradition to everyone at the Home Office. “I’m particular about keeping that wall updated, so we can all see the boots-on-the-ground members of this company,” Rick said. “It reminds us who’s out there truly getting patients better. It’s a very important reminder.”

So, this is a feel-good story but also a call to action for you team leaders and rehab directors who haven’t yet sent in your photos. Get it done! We want to see you on The Wall and be reminded daily of the good work you do.

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The two bills introduced to help prevent/delay therapy-related cuts include:

H.R. 5536 – Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy Act (SMART Act)

• Delay implementation of the 15% Medicare PTA/OTA payment differential until January 1, 2023
• Provide an exemption to the differential for rural and underserved areas once implemented
• Change supervision requirements for OTA/PTA in outpatient settings under Medicare Part B to general supervision like in all other settings

H.R. 6020 – Supporting Medicare Providers Act

• Prevent cuts to the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule by providing additional funding to the fee schedule’s conversion factor through the end of 2022
• Maintain the conversion factor increase passed in 2020, essentially offsetting CMS’s planned cuts for 2022

You can help by contacting your local elected officials to show your support for these bills and urge Congress to intervene to stop the therapy cuts. APTA, AOTA and ASHA all have letter templates that anyone, not just therapists, can use to send letters of support for these bills to members of Congress. And where the templates are great, congressional staffers may pay more attention to personalized letters from constituents so if you have the time, please consider a personalized letter.

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I was reminded of that this week as we celebrated the long career of one of our rehab directors. Jean Herauf, SLP has been with RehabVisions for 27 years and will retire in December. At a gathering to commemorate her retirement, the wife of a former patient spoke about the difference Jean had made in the lives of her entire family. Her husband had suffered a traumatic brain injury and although the wife said she never lamented the injury or felt sorry for their situation, she had many questions and wondered how life would be. “And finally, Jean gave me the answers I needed,” she said. She spoke about how Jean worked with her husband to regain the skills he lost in this accident, but she also took the time to explain the nature of brain injuries and the process of speech rehabilitation to the family. “She was like the guardian angel we needed,” she said. 

The next day I met with our staff at CHI St. Alexius, who had all been at Jean’s party. Rehab Director Brett Hample, PT said hearing the woman speak about the effect Jean had on her family helped him “reset” his attitude. “Sometimes we need to be reminded why we do what we do,” he said. “It was good to remember that we make a big difference.”

Mitzi Yanish, PTA echoed Brett’s assessment and said, “Yes, never take your knowledge for granted. Even when we feel like we’re doing the same things over and over, we’re making tremendous progress for our patients.” 

I’m always proud of our therapists but at this moment I felt particular admiration. How smart they were to internalize this testimonial about Jean to remember therapy’s greater effects. How wise of them not to wallow in their own self-pity and realize that although we are in a particularly difficult time in our lives, there is progress and appreciation abounds.

The post Former Patient Helps to Remind Therapists of Their Effects appeared first on RehabVisions.

During the height of the pandemic, we reorganized our entire Operations team to provide the most comprehensive management to all our locations. This included Bill Mannewitz’s promotion to Hospital Director of Operations in Washington, Texas, New Mexico and part of Kansas. Along with this reorganization, we quickly implemented technology for working remotely. This allowed our Home Office team to work closely with our therapy teams out in the field when travel wasn’t recommended, and visitors were not allowed in our facilities. It also provided an opportunity for daily meetings when meeting in person was not advisable.

When travel became reasonable again, Bill again started planning trips to his locations. “As I was booking travel for back-to-back weeks, I thought ‘this is silly.’” To make the travel work, he had to be gone for a full week to see all his locations in Washington. It wasn’t convenient or cost-effective for the company. The other Directors of Operations have at least some locations within a drivable distance.

After discussing with his wife Mandy, Bill pitched the idea of moving to Washington to Chief Operating Officer Rick Larmore. Bill said they discussed the benefits of being geographically closer to some of his contracts to reduce travel costs, increase management visibility and support as well as a focus on growth in the region. “On one hand I hated to lose Bill from the Home Office because he brings such positive energy but on the other, I believed this move could open up opportunities for other leaders in our organization,” Rick said. He discussed it with the Executive Team, and they agreed.

Human Resources Vice President David Mahoney said Bill’s move illustrates RehabVisions using technology to promote opportunity for employees all over our company. “It becomes less about where you are and more about the talents you bring to the organization,” he said.

And yes, Bill misses the Home Office but has two set Zoom calls per week and plans to travel back occasionally for in-person meetings and to visit friends. “We wish Bill luck in this new venture,” Rick said. “And we look forward to seeing how this change positively affects others in our organization.”

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In an email following CEO Darrell Metcalf explained. “In the heat of the day-to-day battle of dealing with issues in everyone’s individual areas of responsibilities, it is difficult for managers to find time to reflect and think about bigger-picture and longer-term challenges to our businesses.”

Director of Operations Jennifer Flanagan, SLP said because there had been so many changes with the pandemic, the change in CEOs and additions to the leadership team, it was the perfect time to reset our vision and expectations for the company. “We talked a lot about our company values and ways to increase our engagement with employees and customers,” she said.

The management team had been working on a new organizational structure based on the book “Traction,” by Gino Wickman. The basis of the “Traction” model is to continue progressing company objectives through organized problem-solving, task completion and alignment among all team members. Joe Frost, a local “Traction” implementor helped facilitate much of the meeting and led managers through exercises to assist in people’s understanding of how “Traction” works. Joe said the value of implementing any system like “Traction” is better understanding for all employees of what the organization stands for and where it’s headed. “Being able to communicate a clear vison and create a strong culture is a hallmark of successful companies and attracts people who share the company’s values and want to be a part of achieving its vision.”

New to the management team, Director of Human Resources Tricia Pofahl said the retreat helped her gain insight on the strategic plan for the company

“I loved the part where we split into divisions and worked on ideas and issues related to each division’s goals,” she said. “It was really beneficial to get to collaborate as teams and focus.”

Darrell explained that he expected some employees would experience changes to regular meeting and/or ways managers communicate based on this “Traction” structure. He said this was simply a new system to help us meet our objectives in an organized manner.

He also said many managers reported feeling energized by the progress made over the two days and he’s excited about what the future brings and how it will positively affect all employees.

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As therapists we see many benefits of telehealth beyond being able to physically distance from each other. Here are a few:

1. Serves as a value-added supplement to in-person visits
2. Improves access to care while limiting exposure risk during pandemic
3. Reduces cancellations due to lack of transportation, sick child, work schedule, time constraints, too far to travel, weather, etc.
4. Maintains continuity of care and ensures patients receive care no matter circumstances
5. Helps achieve prescribed frequency of visits
6. Allows for increased access to therapist specialists (e.g., pelvic health, hand therapists, cognitive rehabilitation, etc.)
7. Can be used to reach new markets or underserved rural populations
8. Provides therapists with opportunities to develop new skill sets in evaluation and treatment process
9. Promotes active strategies vs. passive modalities
10. Allows for functional training in the home and home safety assessments to increase safety and decrease fall risk
11. Allows patients to receive medically necessary services needed to manage chronic condition(s)

When providing quality, individualized care for our patients, telehealth should be right in the mix of modalities we consider now and in the future.

The post 11 Benefits to Telehealth for Therapy appeared first on RehabVisions.

Sitting next to Wendy at the Home Office where they collaborate is Shelly Hefner, OT. Shelly transitioned from being a team lead in one of our SNFs to Clinical Compliance Specialist within the past year. She focuses on continuing education, whether that be in-house or working with MedBridge, RehabVisions’ new continuing education benefit vendor. Additionally, Shelly said she looks at a lot of metrics to identify opportunities for program growth and therapist training.

She also assists with employee mentorship and documentation training for newer employees. Shelly is currently working on an orientation and documentation audit process for employees across all settings.

“We needed depth in this the area of clinical support,” Jennifer said. “They are working on a variety of projects and there’s no shortage of needs.”

The post Two Collaborate to Provide Clinical Support appeared first on RehabVisions.

My change in status will not affect my family’s involvement in the business. Rick is 12 years my junior and will continue running the Operations Team day to day. Doug Larmore, my son, will continue to oversee sales and business development. Additionally, the board of directors, will stay unchanged with my family ensuring the continuity of our strategic vision.

As I watched the company’s response to the pandemic orchestrated by Darrell, Rick and our management team, it became apparent that now was the perfect time for me to step back and them to step forward. Despite the trials this health emergency has created for many businesses, RehabVisions went into the crisis strong, and we are positioned to emerge even stronger. We have adapted to the changed environment and believe we have much to offer patients across their entire continuum of care. While we aren’t necessarily through the upheaval, I think there are signs we will come through this as a nation.

One of my greatest pleasures in life has been serving our clients for 38 years. Their trust in RehabVisions has allowed us to grow outstanding clinicians and rehab departments, nurture leaders, and most importantly serve the people of some amazing communities along the way.

Those efforts will continue well into the future.

The post RehabVisions Names New CEO appeared first on RehabVisions.

The new conversion factor is still a drop from the 2020 conversion factor of $36.09 ($36.0896), but one that’s far less severe than originally approved—a 3.32% decrease compared with the 10.2% reduction in the final fee schedule.

In some coding situations, the combination of factors may result in cuts less than the estimated 3.6% for this year:

• Therapeutic exercise (97110) will drop by an average of 3.3%, going from $31.40 to $30.36
• Manual therapy (97140) sees a similar percentage decrease, from $28.87 to $27.91
• Neuromuscular reeducation (97112) drops by 2.35%, from $36.09 to $35.34
• Therapeutic activities (97530) sees a 2.45% decrease from its 2020 level of $40.42 to $39.43 in 2021

In a few instances, the new payment levels could even result in slight increases, particularly for PTs/OTs conducting an evaluation or reevaluation. For example, in 2020, use of evaluation CPT codes 97161-97163 resulted in a payment of $87.70; that payment increases to $101.89 in 2021.

While the new conversion factor is good news for therapists and our clinics, any cut creates an impact to our business and patients. RehabVisions will continue to advocate to CMS and Congress on avenues for further relief.

The post Looking at the Numbers: 2021 Medicare Reimbursement appeared first on RehabVisions.

These “10 ways therapists can help post-COVID patients” can get both referral sources and potential patients thinking about therapy services as part of recovery.

1. Aerobic training to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health while monitoring rate of exertion
2. Strength training to regain lost muscle strength
3. Endurance training to decrease fatigue and increase participation in pre-COVID activities
4. Balance training to reduce fall risk
5. Training to improve mobility and return to prior function
6. Training on strategies and techniques to increase independence and safety
7. Assessment of vital signs during therapy to provide the just-right challenge
8. Education and training in home exercise programs
9. Energy conservation skills and work simplification techniques
10. Assistance with swallowing difficulties due to reduced respiratory support or ventilator use

For help managing all aspects of your rehab department, get in touch with our contract therapy services team.

The post 10 Ways Therapists Can Help Post-COVID Patients appeared first on RehabVisions.

Referral Sources

RehabVisions facility partners have access to our print shop with custom, ready-to-go marketing materials covering many lines of service. Use them to promote PT services strategically throughout the year, as a prompt to a declining referral source, and to introduce newly certified therapists to local physicians. We all know you’re promoting PT in October, but consider choosing one service to promote each month, so you’re consistently reaching out to referral sources.

Social Media

Check in with your facility marketing team. They likely have some therapy-related content scheduled (RehabVisions provides monthly content to our hospital partners) that you can expand on by providing a quote or more information about the featured line of service. Most marketing departments will also welcome news stories or PT-related articles/blogs that you think would be of interest to your community and patients. And of course, share your patient success stories.

Who Are You Missing?

There are still many working adults across the country who continue to work from home. They are likely significantly less active than they were before March. Many of them will  not return to work this year or even the first half of next year. Are there local employers who should receive information about the importance of physical activity for remote workers? How can you help their employees set goals for a healthy amount of exercise (and do it safely)? Let them know! You could also write something for the newspaper to reach these potential patients, or speak on a local radio show and emphasize direct access. A quick brainstorming session among your therapy team could identify these and other audiences that may not have been on your radar earlier in the year.

We’re here for you as a resource as you look for new ways to reach your prospective patients and promote PT services every month of the year.

The post Promote Physical Therapy During PT Month and Beyond appeared first on RehabVisions.

“Information was coming out rapid-fire,” Brenda Kemling, PT reflected on the first few weeks of April. She said it was particularly impressive that we have therapists in all settings and were able to set them up to treat patients. “Not only were we monitoring these rapidly coming regulations, we were able to do it in a fashion that continued to protect our patients’ privacy.”

Securing a platform that was HIPPA compliant, easy to use, and compatible with rural web capabilities was of course important. Brenda, compliance manager, created an informed consent document for patients and wrote a telehealth policy, making sure to cover all applicable state regulations. Additionally, she provided guidance on the nuances of billing insurance companies, including which CPT codes and modifiers to use.

On the SNF side some of our therapists transitioned to virtual visits with their iPads. Billed like an in-person visit, it allowed us to continue to provide services but not expose residents. Jennifer Flanagan, SLP said, “It’s a careful balance between helping to reduce the decline and keeping residents safe from the virus.”

In talking about what’s next for telehealth, Brenda said there have already been one to two commercial payors develop permanent provisions for telehealth therapy services, and federal legislation was introduced by the House that would give therapists permanent telehealth allowance through Medicare.

Telehealth will continue to be a value-added service for patients who don’t feel comfortable being seen in person for whatever reason. “Maybe somebody has a sick child or is too busy to come in, we could provide telehealth in those situations,” Brenda said. But there are bigger issues telehealth could solve. “Telehealth is not about replacing in-person therapy sessions but about reaching out to populations that may not otherwise have access to therapy,” she said.

Telehealth could allow us to serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities. “Maybe it’s on a reservation, maybe we’re collaborating with community centers and churches and coordinating certain days to provide telehealth therapy,” Brenda said. “It’s about leveraging these new provisions to reach more people, especially those who might not receive any care otherwise.”

The post Telehealth Allows Therapists to Continue Treating Now and Beyond appeared first on RehabVisions.

Ask consistently and often for patient testimonials

What’s good for your facility is good for you—and that’s public, positive testimonials about your care. Ask patients at discharge to write an online review, specifically on Google. Reputation management can have cumulative benefits for search engine optimization and getting new patients in the door. Maintaining fresh ratings and at least a 4.0-star average improves the chances of being included in the top three “map pack” on Google, which are the results most prospective patients will stay within to find therapy options in their area.

You can also:

• Ask your facility webmaster to include patient testimonials on the therapy page (ones that adhere to HIPAA or that you have express patient consent to publish as is)
• Ask for reviews on Facebook
• Provide testimonial cards at discharge for patients who aren’t comfortable navigating to your facility Google My Business listing or who aren’t on Facebook
• Review your testimonials for those that your in-house marketing team could expand for a written piece featuring the rehab department
• Include testimonials on printed materials for physician and patient marketing

There is a timely benefit right now in having recent “social proof” that patients are comfortable coming to rehab departments for their therapy again—or, maybe they’ll review your convenient telehealth services.

Promote your telehealth capabilities

The past few months have shown that telehealth is a viable option for many services. It is often a more convenient option, and maybe even a safer option, for some of our patients. Don’t back off of it as caseloads return to normal. Telehealth should be a continued part of marketing efforts to capture those patients who could benefit from virtual care.

Is telehealth mentioned on the therapy page of your website? Do former patients and patients who have yet to restart their plan of care know you offer virtual visits? Have you reminded them lately since initial announcements in March?

If you’ve found telehealth is working especially well for specific groups, like pediatrics, ask your facility marketing department (we can help, too) for assistance getting the message out to parents using marketing mediums such as social posts, digital ads, email marketing and newspaper ads.

Get comfortable with direct access (and safety talk)

Part of your direct access marketing going forward will have to contain a safety component in addition to talking about ease of access to therapy services and the health benefits. Some people will not be comfortable returning to rehab until there is a COVID-19 vaccine. Some may be delaying care with other providers and are not receiving referrals to see you. They will need reassurance and continued reminders of your safety measures.

Provide your local news stations with monthly story pitches, updates about your rehab department, team and services, and reminders about your safety measures. Promote therapy as the essential service that it is, and let prospective patients know they can directly request a therapy consult or restart their care at any time. For physical therapists, the APTA just began promoting their latest campaign around physical activity geared toward consumers. Through that, there will be many opportunities to share information directly to prospective patients and include calls to action for appointments.

We are here as a marketing resource for our partners and rehab teams as our communities continue to adapt to the current health climate.

The post Marketing that Supports Rebuilding Therapy Caseloads appeared first on RehabVisions.

After almost three months of reduced/uncompleted therapy, we are left with patients who are daily losing function and strength and revenue “streams” that have turned into revenue “trickles.” It is time to pick up the pieces and get active in rebuilding therapy services. Our clients have never needed us more, and we can have a positive impact on the bottom line of hospital financials. As we rebuild our departments, focus points should include:

• SAFETY: Always safety first. Ensure protocols are established to clean between patients. Cleanliness is crucial in limiting the risk of exposure for staff and clients alike. Make sure you are sharing your cleaning protocols with physicians and patients to help them feel safe and comfortable.
• MARKETING: Look around. Identify your audience and grab their attention, such as:
  o Past patients – Revisit those who cut services in an attempt to “stay in place.” Chances are they haven’t been moving more while staying home. Restart those plans of care.
  o Physicians – Express the essential nature of your services to overall health. Talk about how increased mobility, improved cardiovascular/pulmonary function and increased strength effects overall health and wellness.
  o Identify new markets – Many community members have become lethargic with social isolation. There are opportunities to capture a new group of patients and grow your practice. Look at all three disciplines. What can PT do differently, better, more? OT? SLP? In some locations, the caseload diversity changed greatly after clinicians identified groups of people who have been affected by the pandemic.
• TIGHTEN THE BELT. Analyze your current operation. As you bring staff back into the workforce, identify employee strengths and weaknesses. Position your staff to maximize employee strengths and give them the resources to excel. Build your practice according to need and skill. Position your practice to be the premier location for therapy services.

We have the opportunity to move from an upside-down, topsy-turvy and confusing pandemic into a well-defined, safe, patient-centered and profitable resource for our hospitals and community. Therapy services are essential. Therapy services can change lives. We have the keys.

The post Hospitals Can Look to Their Rehab Departments for Profits Post-COVID appeared first on RehabVisions.

Our children will “remember when” as they share stories of school closures, alternative learning, stoppage of all extracurricular activities, abundant amount of “quality time” with parents, and general anxiety of the unknown, similar to how we share our memories of the JFK and MLK assassinations, HIV epidemic, Challenger explosion and 9/11.

Yet one thing is becoming clear. This time seems a lot different. While we are sharing some commonality, we all have our own unique situations, stressors, fears and obstacles to overcome. We also cannot ignore the unique challenges we face as healthcare providers.

Today looks much different than one month ago, and tomorrow will likely bring another obstacle and “new normal.” During times of challenge, we need to recall our past experiences with trials, sorrow or despair, remembering we survived. We made it through. Those challenges provided lessons learned and growth opportunities that we should be tapping into.

Our ability to persevere and move forward all depends on our personal well-being. Our resiliency. Wellness and well-being is much more than physical health. There are actually seven dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational.

Even if you think you are managing through this strange time, I encourage you to read the information in the below two resources. There are excellent tips and strategies to maintain a balanced, quality life. Learn how to apply them to your unique situation and take the opportunity to pass on to others, specifically your patients—they too have their own challenges.

APTA: Staying Resilient in a Time of Crisis

AOTA: Practitioner Well-Being Resources

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This lifestyle change so many people are experiencing because of the pandemic has given a glimpse of what it would be like to have limitations on the participation in our most meaningful occupations, and it’s difficult. Let these trying times of social distancing and staying home be a friendly reminder that participating in occupations that are purposeful and meaningful is important—to ALL of us. Hopefully, we will soon be back doing what we love and want to do. Until then let’s continue to focus on our patients who need to stay active and involved in meaningful activities and ensure that we are part of the solution in preventing decline in function.

Let’s have a safe Occupational Therapy Month, and keep promoting social distancing, health and wellbeing to the best of our abilities.

The post Occupational Therapy Month appeared first on RehabVisions.

We call brain injuries an “invisible injury.” People get hurt and are treated for their physical injuries. They are often told their headaches will go away in time but often they don’t, and there are other effects people don’t see but need to understand. At our outpatient clinic in Dickinson, we have a valuable member of our team who sustained a brain injury. Candy Johnson is one of our front office staff. She experienced a brain injury in a car accident in 1994 and dealt with this “invisible injury” for months before getting diagnosed with TBI. Here are her words:

In 1994, after a warmer-than-normal February day (for North Dakota), we were headed to a town about 20 miles away for a Valentine’s Day supper. The sun had gone down and the wind was picking up, blowing tendrils of snow across the interstate. That’s when we hit the black ice and rolled. I was seated in the back seat of the Bronco II and parted company with the Bronco along with part of the fiberglass roof, which covered the back portion of this vehicle. The remaining fiberglass roof embedded itself into the seat about where my neck had been. This was my welcome to the ranks of those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

At the hospital, they were concerned with sewing up all the open wounds and took X-rays. They kept me for a couple of days and then I was sent home. At no point did they discuss a TBI, even though my skull was cracked and the skin split open down to the skull. (You might think that was a clue).

Some of the first symptoms were good. I lost my glasses in the accident and when I went to see the optometrist, he found my astigmatism was gone, and my vision was better. I also found myself able to do things with my left arm and hand that before I could only do with my right hand and arm before the accident.

On the downside was vertigo, along with nausea. The doctors I saw just gave me medication for it, which didn’t resolve it, only made me sleepy and nauseous. Most concerning was my “autopilot” function was no longer working. For example, driving a car now required me to pay attention to every step of operating the vehicle vs. jumping in and going without mentally working through the processes. Also, I worked in a very busy business with phones ringing, tracking staff locations while typing numerous documents. In the past I thrived on all that activity, now I found it exhausting. One scary event for me was I answered the phone while a staff member was waving at me to tell me where they were going. The voice on the phone sounded like the person was speaking a foreign language. OMG, was I no longer capable of doing my job?

I went to see Kari Lyon at North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and poured out my heart. Kari recognized the problem as a TBI and sent me to the other side of the state to see a neuropsychologist, Dr. Konewko, in Fargo.

Walking Wounded

After testing, Dr. Konewko diagnosed me with a TBI and described my situation as one of a walking wounded. If your arm is in a cast, people see the injury and understand; but with TBI you may look normal, but you aren’t functioning as you once did. He went on to explain how the brain bounces in its fluid back and forth in an injury situation and connections are severed. I needed to give my brain time to reconnect, possibly in new ways, to rebuild what it lost. In his opinion the time frame for the brain to recover—as much as it was going to—was about a year. He said the worst possible situation during the initial brain recovery period was to be in a busy environment because I wasn’t allowing it to work on repair. Instead, I was pushing it past its current limits (the foreign language phone incident was an example). His recommendation was to work in a private office for a couple of months to allow brain recovery time.

The Next Hurdle

Most employers hearing their once-valuable staff now has a brain injury think the worst, that it’s permanent and they won’t be good employees again. That is so not true, but for someone going through this process, with their brain trying to recover and the pure exhaustion they are feeling, they are terrified to reveal to their employer that they may need an accommodation even for a short period of time to get better. Fortunately, Kari from VR came along with me to request accommodation from the director where I was employed. The director had that dreaded reaction at first—if she can’t perform her duties, then we need to find someone else. Kari, bless her heart, had to explain that we needed to allow the accommodation for a short term to allow recovery. I was one of the lucky ones, in that it was granted.

Along with the stigma people assign to someone with a brain injury, the injured person has to deal with exhaustion—things that I normally would have breezed through took longer as I thought myself through the task. I had a 4-year-old daughter at home, and my husband worked nights, so I didn’t have the luxury of going home and taking a much-needed nap. I also was taking college courses including math the semester I was in the car accident. Another thing I noticed was I became depressed. I am normally an “up” person, but someone might bring up a subject that would trigger me to feel sad. It was a strange world to suddenly be thrust into.

Recovery

Turn off the radio while driving, remove distractions! Working in the quiet office for two months was a revelation—I wasn’t as tired and my brain started to figure things out. When I rejoined the noisy masses, I no longer had the various problems I was experiencing. In about a year, the exhaustion and depression were gone as well.

As years went by, I recovered much of what was lost. For example, I used to always have a song in my head and after the car accident it was gone. I hear music again now (in my head) while I work, I don’t need the radio. In the past I relied on my brain to remember everything and it did. Now I find that making detailed notes can be super helpful. For the most part I don’t need the notes, but it is a comfort to know I have made good notes. Sticky notes are great, too! But most importantly, as an employee, I function every bit as well as I did before the car accident.

Notes

The work that Jean Herauf does with TBI patients is amazing. Everyone has a different story and different path to recovery. Jean will hone on their issues and provide them with solutions to work on which will encourage their brains to regenerate and reconnect!

I will have vertigo issues my whole life, but every time the ear crystals break loose, I see Cory Ash, PT, who is fantastic at getting them to settle back to where they belong. Sadly, back when the crash occurred, the local MDs had not heard of the Epley maneuver. Fast forward to now and we get referrals for clients with vertigo all the time.

About a year after the accident, Dr. Konewko paid for me to travel back to Fargo and speak to a group of MD residents about what I went through. He wanted them to know what to look when treating someone with a possible brain injury.

Candy has worked for us since 2017. I can attest that if she hadn’t shared her history of brain injury, I would not suspect she’d had one. Many people aren’t as fortunate as Candy in their recovery, but most can make improvements with focused treatment, modifications and strategies.

Although Candy’s TBI was from an accident, it’s important to note that the majority of brain injuries are the result from a fall. Most people assume it’s from car accidents or sports injuries but that makes the role of therapists all the more important.

Therapy for brain injuries can be life-changing for people. They just need to know that it’s a possibility. It’s our job as therapists to educate them.

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The certification process included reading an almost 500-page textbook, completing a number of related clinical hours and two full days of training. Jean said the book was daunting but helpful, and she especially appreciated the two days of training with other professionals including physical and occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists. “The training focused some on communication and cognition that are within my realm as a speech therapist,” she said. “but it also included a lot that wasn’t, so that really broadened my understanding of the many ways lives and relationships are affected by a brain injury.”

Jean has always been passionate about brain injuries and has been a resource for many RehabVisions therapists over the years. This certification only strengthened her passion to educate people about this “invisible injury.”

She said most people don’t understand the effects of a brain injury, and there’s a great need for education among families, teachers, coaches and even physicians. “People get hurt and are treated for their physical injuries,” she said. “They are often told their headaches will go away in time but often they don’t, and there are other effects people don’t see but need to understand.”

She said brain-injured individuals often have difficulty with sensitivity to light and sound, emotional regulation, sleep, headaches, memory, decision-making, attention and focus, and initiation and these are just a few. “As you can imagine, any of these factors would impact a person’s ability to function at work, school and home, and relationships also often suffer due to brain injury,” Jean said. “The brain is working so hard to process information and make sense of things. Frequent cognitive rest breaks are often necessary to allow the brain to recharge. Just a simple task such as filling gas at the pump might be overwhelming—choosing which gas, selecting to pay inside or at the pump, indicating yes/no for car wash and receipt, following the correct sequence.”

Jean said as a society, we expect that the harder we try at something, the faster we’ll get better. “That doesn’t hold true for the brain injured. Things often need to be broken down for them, and strategies applied to help them be successful with their tasks,” she said.

Jean plans to partner with the public schools in her area to help educate parents and teachers. “Therapy for brain injuries can be life-changing for people,” she said. “They just need to know that it’s a possibility.”

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Brett Hample, PT is our rehab director at CHI St. Alexius in Dickinson, North Dakota. Brett graduated from PT school in 2016, but his zest for knowledge has driven him to go much farther since.

Brett recently received his OCS (Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) from the APTA. This certification took him about five months to complete with an average of three hours of study each day plus more on the weekends. Before the OCS, Brett received his strength and conditioning certification from NSCA and, he says, his most rigorous certification—the MTC or Manual Physical Therapy certification from Evidence in Motion. The MTC was a year of work including four hands-on weekend training sessions out of town and seven separate exams.

All of his additional training has really changed the way he practices therapy, Brett said. “In school, you learn a little about a lot,” he said. “But these certifications allow you to learn more specifically what you’re passionate about.”

Brett admits that he’s partly able to dedicate to these study courses and certifications because he’s not yet married and doesn’t have children. He’s also very driven by setting goals, and he decided he wanted these designations back in PT school. “I wasn’t going to stop until I reached these goals,” he said. “And it’s really kept me disciplined.”

Committing an extreme amount of time is not the only way a therapist can further his or her education. Deric Fenzl, PT has been working at the Lake Ozark Clinic in Missouri since he graduated PT school in 2017. Each evening he takes a look at his schedule and evaluations for the next day to better prepare himself. One day last Spring he came across a diagnosis he’d never heard before—DISH. DISH stands for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine.

Feeling sheepish about his lack of knowledge, Deric admitted it to the patient. “I actually got a lot of buy-in by just being honest. I told her I’m going to work hard for you, but I need to do some research and understand this better.”

The patient told him she was used to that from healthcare providers and informed him of what she knew about the disease. She also mentioned that when she did a basic trunk rotation, she’d feel her bone fracture.

“What is even safe for me to treat?,” Deric said he thought.

So, he scheduled her next appointment two days later and spent the next two evenings researching. He also reached out to her physician to understand her contraindications.

When the patient came back, Deric was ready. “We did an entire assessment from the top down and developed a plan of care focusing on her overall function,” he said. “What was stiff, we loosened and what was weak, we made stronger.” The patient was thrilled with her progress.

Hospital Operations Manager Bill Mannewitz, PT said both of these stories are great examples of therapists taking their own time to become better at their profession. “Our industry needs more people who are interested in being better clinicians,” he said. He also loves the way many of our therapists take advantage of RV’s Forum on RVNet. “We have hundreds of therapists with their own experiences and expertise,” he said. “Take advantage of it!”

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Kevin Meglan, PT, our clinical instructor at the facility, said it wasn’t just Lauren and Katie who created the presentation, but it was another student, Derek Straus from Southwest Baptist University who also helped. Derek was with Kevin when he was approached about the opportunity, so Derek assisted with forming lecture objectives and finding research that had been conducted in the last two years.

Responses to the presentation were outstanding with the Trauma Nurse Coordinator writing, “I was so impressed by the students! I think back to my time as a student, and how intimidated I might have felt presenting in front of a room full of professionals. I think that they did a fantastic job! They should be proud of their lecture and should get extra credit in their clinical rotation.”

Rehab Director Courtney Hulett, PT said hosting students has been a plus. “It enables us as a department to stay current on the latest research and utilize best-in-practice treatment techniques,” he said.

Echoing Courtney’s thoughts, Kevin said, “Taking a student is a tremendous opportunity to enrich the clinical experience of both the student and instructor, irrespective of the level of placement,” he said. “Students bring a spark into our facility. Their interests, their knowledge, their insecurities and their personalities are inspiring. They have given me renewed energy and inspiration to share my profession.”

As a company, we pride ourselves in best practices and our clinical expertise, and this was a perfect example for me to see our words in action. Thanks to Kevin and our students for their work.

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With very little direction, a talented photographer can capture the nuanced relationship between therapist and patient. The viewer can sense the comradery between the two. Obviously, the patient is often in an uncomfortable, even painful, situation but they are working hard, and the therapist is typically educating and encouraging by their side.

Here are a few of my favorites from our latest shoot at three of our hospital departments in central Kansas. Thank you to all who accommodate the disruption that comes with professional photography.

Rehab Director Alex Brooks, PT works with a patient while Julie Olsen, COTA assists.

Rehab Director Alex Brooks, PT oversees an athlete in the therapy pool.

Maryan Hulvey, SLP works with a patient at a Kansas hospital.

Julie Olsen, COTA works with a pediatric patient.

Connor Chambers, PT treats a student athlete.

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