April 2018 Newsletter

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
CARRIE ABRAHAM PT, DPT, MPH
CONTENT PRESIDENT, WVPTA

 President’s Column Hello all. There is so much going on in the world of the WVPTA – I don’t
know where to start!
 WVPTA 2018 Annual
We are gearing up for the 2018 Annual Conference at Stonewall Jackson
Conference Report
Resort on April 21-22, 2018. Our conference speaker this year is Anne
 WVPTA 5th Annual Mucha, PT, DPT, MS, NCS who will be sharing her expertise on concussion
and mild traumatic brain injury. She will be discussing this topic as it
Golf Scramble Update
applies to PT as a whole, not just one specific diagnostic category, so this
 Insurance Updates topic is applicable to all age populations and across the continuum of care.
If you haven’t signed up yet, do it today! And while you are at it, check out
 Legislative Updates the opportunity to golf at Stonewall’s beautiful course, and sign up for the
1st Annual WVPTA PAC 5k run/walk. Just a couple other ways for us to
 Treasurer’s Report relax, have some fun and re-connect with each other while at the same
time providing resources to support our advocacy efforts related to PT
and health care delivery in WV.
The WVPTA has been awarded an APTA Community Awareness grant to
create a video to be used in our efforts to effectively communicate the
#ChoosePT message across the state of WV. This is an integral piece of
our future outreach messaging along with a recent boost in our social
media activity spearheaded by a DPT student at WVU! Way to go Christa! If you have an interest in
community outreach and public relations, join in! We have spots for you to offer whatever time you are
comfortable with!
In the fall of 2018, the Payer Relations Committee is planning a forum to educate payers on the benefits of
physical therapy over the use of opioids for chronic pain clients. This forum falls in line with our
#ChoosePT messaging and you can find more details on this forum in Sally Oxley’s article in this
newsletter.
At the state level, we experienced successful passage of the PT Interstate Licensure Compact Act;
however, we have recently learned from the PT Compact Commission that this legislation will require an
amendment or two before becoming active. We hope to have those issues corrected by next legislative
session if not sooner. Sweeping legislation was passed to combat the opioid epidemic in WV which
addresses, among many other things, access and referral to physical therapy as well as ensuring payment
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for those PT visits. This was a large piece of legislation that addressed many aspects of this issue, but we
are proud that physical therapy was included in such a prominent way and thankful that patients will
benefit from the evidence-based utilization of our services for chronic pain. We have also seen
continuation of the work of the Pain Coalition which was created during the previous legislative session.
Travis Tarr, PT, DPT has been appointed to this coalition and provides a great perspective on the benefits
of non-pharmacologic interventions including PT. A big thank you to all who were involved in moving
these issues forward!
Nationally, we have seen positive payment changes passed with the addition of PTAs to the Tricare
payment system along with the repeal of the Therapy Cap. As many of you know, the APTA along with its
components are now organizing to attempt to reverse the payment differential that was also put into the
repeal at the last minute which finds that facilities will be paid 85% of the Medicare Physician Fee
schedule for services provided by a PTA versus PT (this effects COTAs and OTs as well) beginning in
2022. We need our PTAs here!! You and your voices need to be part of this solution, so contact me, Jeff
Stevens -our executive director and lobbyist or Bryanna Ordiway, PTA as your Caucus representative to
see how you can start to make a difference. Many voices are more effective than a few. The repeal of the
cap took 20 years, let’s work to get this done a lot sooner!
So, as you can see, the movement in PT is ongoing. Constantly pushing forward to better our profession,
improve access to our services and to advocate for fair reimbursement. But, it cannot be done by one
person…or by a few. All of this work helps to provide market stability for the PT profession and to ensure
the sustainability of that, we all have to work together as an investment in the future position of physical
therapy in the health care team. Join us in this important work, we have open seats on the following
committees: Ethics, Community Outreach, Practice, Education, Public Relations, Payer Relations,
Membership, State and Federal Affairs and the Political Action Committee.
I look forward to seeing you at the conference, catching up and talking about where PT is headed!

WVPTA 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE

KRISSY GRUBLER, PT, DPT
WVPTA Education Committee Chair

It’s not too late to register for the WVPTA Annual Conference!
We are merely days away from the annual conference and we couldn’t be more excited! We have a great
weekend planned of education and fun!

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Anne Mucha, PT, DPT, MS, NCS will present on Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications
for the Physical Therapist.
Friday we will host the annual golf scramble followed by an evening of wine tasting and prizes with
Lambert’s Winery! On Saturday evening we will host the PAC Spring into ACTION 5K run/walk and the
3rd annual PT on Tap!
It’s not too late to register … https://www.wvpta.org/events.html.
We hope to see you at the Stonewall Resort on April 20-22, 2018!

WVPTA 2018 Annual Conference

April 21-22, 2018
Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, WV
12 CEU

Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Implications for the Physical Therapist

Anne Mucha, PT, DPT, MS, NCS

Coordinator of Vestibular Rehabilitation
Sports Concussion Clinic &
Centers for Rehab Services
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Course Description

The CDC has determined that concussion is a high priority public health initiative, due to high prevalence
and potentially serious long-term consequences that may arise from incomplete recovery and improper
management. Most physical therapists, regardless of specialty (sports, orthopedic, neurologic, geriatric,
pediatric, federal, acute care, etc.), are likely to encounter patients with concussion in their clinical
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practice. Despite its designation as a mild traumatic brain injury, approximately 20% of patients with
concussion may not experience a quick recovery, resulting in significant disruption to the performance of
work, school and life roles. The role of the physical therapist as a member of the team managing
concussion is integral, due to the frequency of cervical, vestibular, oculomotor and return to activity
needs encountered by these patients. This course will review the current information with respect to
pathophysiology, epidemiology and biomechanics of concussion, along with pertinent evidence regarding
diagnosis and negative outcome following this injury. A proposed framework for classification following
concussion will be discussed, along with screening, evaluation and management strategies to influence
the course of recovery following concussion.

Speaker Biography

Anne Mucha, PT, DPT, MS, NCS is the Coordinator of Vestibular Rehabilitation for the UPMC Sports
Concussion Clinic and Centers for Rehab Services. She is a board
certified clinical specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and has advanced certification in vestibular
rehabilitation. With over 20 years in treating individuals with neurologic conditions, she is also actively
involved in clinical research related to the evaluation and management of patients following concussion.
Dr. Mucha serves as a member of the CDC panel of experts to develop clinical guidelines for diagnosis and
management of mild traumatic brain injury among children and adolescents. She received her Bachelor’s
and Advanced Master’s degrees in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh; and her Doctor of
Physical Therapy degree from Temple University. Dr. Mucha is a national and international lecturer on
topics related to concussion and is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.

Conference Learning Objectives

• Describe the pathophysiology and epidemiology of concussion

• Discuss the latest research and guidelines related to concussion
• Describe factors that contribute to prognosis and outcome following concussion
• Identify common abnormal findings following concussion and potential interventions
• Identify methods for screening vestibular and ocular motor function
• Describe considerations for recovery following concussion
• Discuss the importance of a team approach in the effective management of individuals with
concussion and the role of physical therapists on the treatment team

CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES:

Friday, April 20th WVPTA Annual Golf Scramble

Please visit the WVPTA website (http://wvpta.org/events/#golf-scramble) for more information.

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Friday, April 20th 8- 10 pm Welcome Reception and Wine Tasting

Saturday, April 21st 6:30 -8:00 pm PAC- First Annual “Spring into ACTION 5K run/walk”
The Political Action Committee is hosting its first annual “Spring into ACTION 5K run/walk” to raise
money for funding needed for political action(s) that occur during the year. The entry fee is $20.00 per
person. Appalachian Timing Group will be providing official time for the event. Everyone is welcome to
participate, however the deadline to pre-register and receive a tee shirt is March 23rd, 2018. Please visit
the WVPTA website (http://wvpta.org/events/#5K) for details. You can sign up the day of the event.
Donations accepted without entry in run/walk. To pre-register, volunteer, or help sponsor the event
please contact: Brad Profitt, PAC chair, at profitt2@marshall.edu or call 304-696-5619.
For more information and to view the conference flyer and register for the WVPTA 2018 Annual
Conference, please visit: https://www.wvpta.org/events.html

WVPTA 5TH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

UPDATE
BRANDON BEACOM DPT
Communications Committee Chair

Don’t forget about the WVPTA 5th ANNUAL GOLF

SCRAMBLE ON APRIL 20th, 2018 @ THE PALMER
COURSE STONEWALL RESORT!
It’s the perfect time to hit the green, especially if you are
already planning on attending the WVPTA Annual
Conference @ Stonewall Resort that same weekend.
Refer to the image to the right for more information. Sign
up your team HERE!
For more information, please contact Johnna Gaunch at
info.wvpta.org OR Brandon Beacom at
beacom2012@gmail.com.

INSURANCE UPDATES
SALLY OXLEY, PT, OCS, CHT, CMDT
WVPTA Payer Relations Committee Chair

Medicare – Congress passed the repeal of the therapy CAP. The KX modifier still is required over
$2,010.00 for 2018 and it should increase $10.00 a year as in the past. CMS has proposed to pay for the
repeal with a 15% differential in the payments made for a patient treated by a PTA rather than a PT. The
plan is to implement the PT/PTA differential in 2022. This is a major concern for the physical therapy
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profession, since many of the policies implemented by Medicare are also adopted by commercial payers if
there will be a cost savings involved.

Humana – Humana no longer covers Aquatic therapy (97113) or Sensory integrative techniques
(97553), and there are a lot of restrictions on the payment of Therapeutic Activities (97530). There is a
detailed description of what they cover on their website and pay special attention to the “Coverage
Limitation Section”. It is important to note that ALL codes are paid based on Humana’s discretion. When
a provider agrees to be in network with any insurance plan they agree to their interpretation of the care
that is provided and /or care the patient required.

Tricare – The bill has been signed by President Trump to allow PTAs to treat (and bill) for patient care.
However, PTAs still cannot bill for Tricare patients until the Department of Defense makes appropriate
changes to their policies and regulations and sends them out. Stay tuned.

Medicaid - Providers were notified in August by Aetna Better Health of WV that “due to an incorrect fee
schedule being received and loaded, claims related to RVRBS were incorrectly priced and there will be
upcoming adjustments on future remits. Payments were recouped by ABHWV and payments are now
being taken back on Unicare claims for the same reason.

Payer Forum – The West Virginia Physical Therapy Association and The Mid American Rehabilitation
Network are co-sponsoring the 2018 Payer Forum. The theme will be “Physical Therapy vs Opioids for
Chronic Pain and Pain Management”. It will be held at the University of Charleston on September 25th
from 9:00-3:30. Our target audience is Case Managers, Insurance Adjusters, Nurses and Medical
Directors of Insurance Companies. If any PTs have suggestions of individuals that should be on our
invitee list please contact Sally Oxley, soxley@hptservices.com or Johnna Gaunch ,
johnna@walkerandstevens.com.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
ERIC SHAW, PT, Cert. MDT
WVPTA State Affairs Chair

The recently concluded regular session of 2018 West Virginia Legislature saw 2 bills important to the
practice of physical therapy become law.

Senate Bill 456

(http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=456&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&b
type=bill) allows West Virginia to join the PT Compact (http://ptcompact.org/). The compact is an
agreement between member states to improve access to physical therapy services. It accomplishes this
by allowing greater mobility for eligible physical therapy providers to work in multiple states. PT and
PTA licensees who meet eligibility requirements will be able to purchase a Compact Privilege in a
member state and almost immediately begin to practice in another member state.

The West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy will have to write rules in conjunction with the Compact
Commission in order to implement the Compact. This would include fees or any special circumstances
the state of West Virginia may require to obtain Compact Privilege.

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The Compact Privilege could be a great way for employers to recruit physical therapists and physical
therapist assistants to work in WV. It may also be an opportunity for therapists to come to WV easily and
start a practice.

Senate Bill 273: The Opioid Reduction Act

The second major piece of legislation that was recently signed into law by Governor Jim Justice was S.B.
273
(http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2018_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB273%20SUB2%20ENR.pdf
). It is a wide ranging bill that came out of the Legislative Coalition for pain management (S.B. 339 2017
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2017_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/SB339%20SUB2%20enr.htm)
. A physical therapist representative was successfully added to the coalition in the 2017 legislative
session.

The bill contains a new section of law 16-54 titled the Opioid Reduction Act. 16-54-8 titled Treatment of
Pain has provisions for the following:
 Physician referral or prescription to alternatives to opioid medication including physical therapy
 Insurance coverage for the treatment of chronic pain when ordered by a health care practitioner
 Direct access and insurance coverage for those who seek treatment for pain without a referral
from a health care practitioner.
 Limitations on deductible, co-pay and co-insurance no greater than that of primary care provider
Of course, there are other providers (Occupational therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage,
osteopath manipulation and chronic pain management clinics) that are included in the law. The law will
allow West Virginians alternatives to opioid pain medications through the use of other providers and
treatment methods.

The West Virginia Physical Therapy Association will keep its members up to date on implementation of
the new laws.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR!

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TREASURER’S REPORT
MATT MADRID, PT, MSPT
WVPTA Treasurer

I. No Current Issues or Concerns Raised from executive committee meetings and/or chapter
members.

II. Recent Treasurer Activities

A. Finalize Morgan Stanley investment account transition to Vanguard - Vanguard

Brokerage Account approved and Morgan Stanley has been notified to terminate
account, liquidate assets.

B. Organize and oversee peer review audit for 2017. Prepare and file 2017 tax return
before 5/15/18 deadline.

III. Financial Position (3/23/18) Current Assets

Cash & Cash Equivalents $64,523
Marketable Securities $73,237
Total Current Assets $137,760
Total Liabilities ----- 0 -------
V Final Comments
A. Morgan Stanley transition to Vanguard recommendations via Mike Bostler,
independent investment advisor for the APTA for last 25 years. He receives no
compensation or incentives for his plan recommendations.

B. 2018 Annual Spring Conference pending deposits thru 4/09/18

Amounts include registrations, booths, exhibits, & partnerships
$17,664.43 pay pal electronic deposits
$8,960 hard checks
$26,624.43

Feel free to contact me at Madrid.AffiliatedPT@gmail.com

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THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR!