Toni Talks about PT Today : PT News

Volunteering Update

Toni Patt — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:17:00 GMT

In past posts, I've expressed frustration at volunteering for various opportunities within the APTA and the Neurology Section. A few months ago, I was nominated for a position on the nominating committee for the stroke special interest group. The results...(read more)

My Fear of Maintenance Therapy

Toni Patt — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:26:00 GMT

Last week in his post, fellow ADVANCE blogger Dean Metz shared some good news . CMS has ruled the need for skilled intervention, not functional improvement, makes therapy reimbursable. This means, as he pointed out, patients with chronic conditions can...(read more)

It's Legal but Is It Ethical?

Toni Patt — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:58:00 GMT

Someone was fired last week. The rumor is going around that she was fired because she didn't smile. I don't know if that's true or not but in Texas it is legal. Here an employer can fire an employee for any reason, even if they make it up. Nor do they...(read more)

Time and Money

Toni Patt — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:55:00 GMT

Now that I'm home from CSM, I've had an opportunity to process all of the information. Most of the presentations were excellent. Those that weren't purely theoretical had a common theme. We have to maximize what we do because we're spending less and less...(read more)

Ready for CSM

Toni Patt — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:02:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- Just like my fellow ADVANCE blogger Lauren , I'll be attending the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego. CSM happens this week so I'm already in my hotel. I've registered and picked up my materials. I attended my pre-conference workshop...(read more)

Physical Therapy and the News

Toni Patt — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:42:00 GMT

I don't know about anyone else but I can't read medical news with an unbiased outlook. A few days ago "Yahoo!" posted an article about a man who'd awakened from a month-long coma. The first thought that entered my mind was concern about why he wasn't...(read more)

What Is a Physical Therapist Extender?

Toni Patt — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:47:00 GMT

Reading Jason Marketti's blog last week reminded me of a discussion we're having here in Texas. It's called RC-3 and is an amendment to the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act. It proposes unlicensed individuals such as athletic trainers and massage therapists...(read more)

Caring for the Severely Impaired Patient

Toni Patt — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:54:00 GMT

There is new evidence in the physical therapy world that creates a paradox. The patients who benefit the most are the patients who receive the least therapy. Everything I read demonstrated that the more impaired patients made the greatest improvement...(read more)

Using the Honor System for License Renewal

Toni Patt — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:24:00 GMT

Recently the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners changed the requirements for license renewal. They continue to require 30 hours of continuing education but now therapists must include proof of that education with their application for renewal....(read more)

Preparing for CSM

Toni Patt — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:18:00 GMT

In a little less than two weeks, I will be heading to Chicago for CSM. Almost everything is ready. I've received my registration mailing. I have my password to print handouts. The hotel room I reserved includes a computer. I will only have to pay for...(read more)

The Results of Getting Involved

Toni Patt — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:16:00 GMT

It's been several months since I was elected as a board member to the Southeast District (SED) of the TPTA. Another meeting is coming up this week. I have nothing to report. That isn't particularly surprising since I only have two responsibilities; the...(read more)

CSM 2011

Toni Patt — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:41:00 GMT

This year I made it to CSM. Everything fell into place. New Orleans is 6 hours from Houston. My facility paid my registration. I found a cheap hotel room close to the convention center. Now that I'm back I'm still working on defining my perceptions and...(read more)

Therapeutic Hypocrisy

Toni Patt — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:10:00 GMT

The annual Houston Marathon was a hot topic at last week's district TPTA meeting. Our leadership came under fire for providing free massages to the runners after completing the course. This practice has been going for several years and I have never supported...(read more)

TPTA Student Conclave

Toni Patt — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:29:00 GMT

Last weekend, I went to the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) Student Conclave as a presenter. It was a learning experience. The conference itself was great. The location was good. The setting was appropriate. There was enough room in all the...(read more)

The DPT May Affect Reimbursement

Toni Patt — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:03:00 GMT

Last week I had a chance to visit with someone very knowledgeable about the PT world. We talked about the many changes in the profession over the years as well as what was yet to come. I enjoy talking to her because she has an unusual take on things....(read more)