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NDPTA Newsletter
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In This Issue:
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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. ...read more
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International Classification of Function: Change In Practice |
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 Nagis 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). ...read more
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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). ...read more
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News Release for 2008 2008 PTA Caucus |
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. ...read more
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By: Clifford Lafreniere, PT
A Bismarck Tribune article on 7/11/2008 has reported some potential changing winds in North Dakotas 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. ...read more
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