(soap box moment follows:)
Dear List,
I just received a summary of actions/events that
have taken place in the last year by the APTA. A rather impressive
list...the leadership of Ben Massey Jr (APTA President) has been strong
IMHO. I want to urge everyone that is not a member become
one....there are still some critical issues that have not been
resolved whose outcome will partially shape our future (again
IMO)
*Fighting a Chiropractor bill whose aim it is
to restrict PT's from manipulation in several states and with Medicare Part
B patients.
*Introduced legislation to gain direct access for
Medicare Part B patients (and we all know that insurers are apt to
follow Medicare guidelines)
*retained PT's ability to fabricate orthotics in
several states (including Georgia , my state)
*Examining clinical education of PT's (looking
at feasibility for residencies much like the medical model which
is VERY exciting IMO)
*In my state (Georgia) we are fighting the massage
therapists (they introduced a bill for licensure), direct access (heavy
opposition from the MD's and DC's of course) and ATC's recently won the ability
to bill insurance.
These aren't small issues...these are practice
defining issues that requires unity/money to win.
Thank you for reading my soap box!
Jason Steffe, PT, MS, MTC
Physiotherapy Associates
1901 Phoenix
Blvd, Suite 205
College Park, GA. 30349
Ph:
770-907-1023
Fax:770-907-5608
