By: Mary Jo Wagar

As I was preparing to write this article, I decided to browse the APTA website for inspiration. I have to admit that I probably do not do that often enough. I found that there have been some improvements which make finding things and navigating the web-site much easier. There really is a lot of helpful information available to us as members. I have most often used “Hooked on Evidence,” “Open Door,” and the member directory, but there are many more resources.

One area that I investigated for the first time was Defensible Documentation. This area provides excellent information on documentation describing how to best convey the provision of skilled intervention and functional progress throughout the continuum of care from the initial examination, documentation of visits, reexamination, and discharge. There are several examples and a frequently asked questions area. You access this by clicking on areas of interest, found on the left side of the home page, then go to practice, and then documentation. Gone are the days when it is sufficient to say: Patient ambulated 200 feet with SBA, BID or patient received hot packs, US, and massage. Thank goodness! Defensible Documentation as a resource will be helpful to assure payment for your services.

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By: Jodi Roller, PT

The Profession of Physical Therapy is once again in a transition mode, which is our normal milieu. For the past several years, physical therapy students and clinicians were immersed in Nagi’s Disablement Model or the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) and have used these models for decision-making and documentation in their practices, if not consciously, then subconsciously. Pathology, impairment, functional limitation, and disability are words so familiar to our profession and are basic to our Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Imminent change is in the air once again, however, and terminology is gradually making a transformation. As a response to various criticisms of the Disablement Model, in 1991, the World Health Organization developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

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By: Heather Lundeen PT, DPT, PCS

Greetings from your NDPTA delegation! Cindy Flom-Meland (delegate), Wendy Peters (PTA delegate), and I (chief delegate), along with Mary Jo and Alyson, attended the 2008 APTA House of Delegates June 7-11 in San Antonio, TX. As always, it was an exhilarating event with outcomes that will direct PT practice toward Vision 2020. Listed below is a summary of the actions taken. Please especially look at RC 1, 5, 6, and 8 in regard to your current practice. Furthermore, APTA has finally taken the plunge with automatic and electronic membership renewal (see RC 16 and 17).

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By: Wendy Peters, PTA

The 2008 PTA Caucus was held in San Antonio, TX, June 8 with 40 PTA Caucus Representatives present to represent their chapters. John Linberger, Chief Delegate, conducted the meetings, which included updates from APTA President, Scott Ward; APTA CEO, John Barnes; and APTA Board of Directors Liaison to the PTA Caucus, Tim Lyons.

The PTA Caucus voted to adopt an amendment to the PTA Caucus Procedure Manual that increases the term length for chief delegate and delegates from two to three years. The change in term length will be phased in so that the current delegates can complete their two-year terms.

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By: Clifford Lafreniere, PT

A Bismarck Tribune article on 7/11/2008 has reported some potential changing winds in North Dakota’s workers’ compensation program. WSI has had a turbulent time the past couple years with negative press over internal affairs and operations. In that same time, WSI has accumulated a substantial reserve of some $500 million. I think in large part WSI has weathered the worse of the internal turmoil. It is evident in the morale of the people with whom I have contact in day-to-day operations.

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