Physical therapy is in the middle of dramatic changes to the profession. Between the rise of alternative practice models and top-down changes to Medicare reimbursement, it can seem more and more difficult to chart a clear path as a PT. At the same time, physical therapists are increasingly aware of the importance of professional advocacy, from the local to the national levels.
We sat down for a Facebook Live hosted by Brett Kestenbaum, PT, DPT with guest Gail Bachman, PT, DPT on the the value of the APTA and state associations—and all the diverse opportunities available to PTs who want to get involved!
Dr. Gail Bachman is an adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University, where she teaches Neurophysiological Therapeutics and other courses in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is also a practicing PT at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in the Outpatient Neuro department, as well as an active member of the APTA and CPTA, where she serves on the Membership and Communications Committee. She's also the Director of the PT Day of Service, and Founder of the CA Outreach Challenge.
In this webinar, we discussed:
- The recently proposed changes to Medicare reimbursement for physical therapy services, and how PTs mobilized to respond
- What PACs are and what PT-PAC and others do on the hill
- What PT Day of Service is, and how it can affect public perception of physical therapy
- Other ways PTs advocate for the profession
- And more!