Re: [OTlist] Starting OT on my own
I'm in Nebraska. I already have my own Medicare number and NPI number. I've been reading your recent messages. Would you like to share information now and then as we get up and running? Jenny My personal e-mail address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gregory Stelmach Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 7:16 AM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Starting OT on my own Jenny: I am in the process of setting up a company to provde these services. You have to get your NPI number and become a medicare provider. I am then linking mine to my LLC for liability. You then can either bill or have a billing company do it for you. You also need to have a policy and procedure manual. Where are you located? - Original Message From: Jenny Daup [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: OTlist@OTnow.com Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 7:58:19 AM Subject: [OTlist] Starting OT on my own I need advice from someone who is a self-employed OT who works mainly in client's homes. I have contracted my OT services out in the past but it has always been to clinics or long term care facilities. I have been asked to do some in-home OT by a doctor but I will be billing it out on my own and not going through a home health company. I understand all of the in-home issues involved (as I previously provided outpatient but in-home OT services through a clinic.) My OT practice is focused on providing low vision rehabilitation. I'm mainly wondering about how I begin doing my own billing and what the requirements are regarding where I keep patient files. Is there anyone out there who is doing this and would let me pepper them with questions now and then? Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Marketing Results
I really think this is a manager/facility problem that can be solved by the facility. I think the occupation-based therapy that we need to be delivering takes planning and prep time that isn't available when everyone is asking for 80-90% productivity. If the facility would drop the productivity standard for 3-6 months and allow the therapists to have a planning period of time daily (maybe even set up some team brainstorming time) that is separate from their paperwork time, the therapists would begin to develop a repertoire of great tasks to use when patients had similar challenges and goals. After that time, I really think the therapists would be much faster at pulling activities out of their hats and productivity would rise again. I have always felt that the productivity expectations and large caseloads are a large contributing factor in therapists losing their ability to think out of the box. It seems like everyone is so stressed just to get all of their patients seen and meet all of the paperwork requirements that there isn't any time to plan patient-specific sessions unless they do their planning off the clock. I was always so burned out at the end of the day that I couldn't imagine taking my work issues home (but that is exactly what I ended up doing...planning activities, shopping for supplies, etc. Jenny D. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Carmen Aguirre Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 8:43 PM To: OTlist Subject: Re: [OTlist] Marketing Results This posting brings me back to the pegs and Putty therapy we deliver and call it OT. Many of colleagues claim that with the ease of portability, these tools are the best they can do therapy with... Where do we put the blame for lack of occupation in our treatments besides the obvious morning ADL session and occasional cooking task if we are lucky? When practitioners claim lack of resources...where do we expect to get them...at the facilities? within our own bag of tricks? from our managesr... Thanks Carmen From: Johnson, Arley [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: OTlist@OTnow.com To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Marketing Results Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:21:13 -0400 Thanks Ron and Sue! I have forwarded your comments to my OT staff because I have felt they have fell into that blanket treatment ideology for LE ortho patients. They make me feel as if I don't get it, but I think it's the other way around. I think I have tried everything for them to think outside the box. During their annual reviews, I have discussed this with them and spoke to them that if you identify 5/5 UE strength and no other deficits on the eval, why address UE strength in your treatment??? My staff responses have placed the blame back to limited resources which I don't understand, but I'll find out in our next staff meeting. Here is my last email to them: I'm forwarding you all the comments below. When seeing ortho patients we need to really try to tailor our treatment to what they need, not just place them in our therapy program. It's very easy for ortho patients to make the connection with the PT aspect of the program, but not ours. So we need to make sure we stick close to our OT philosophy and theory to ensure we are making an impact on their lives! Their responses: This email is so sad but true. I think our department is doing a good job in caring for the patients in rehab. We just need to find a new way to package our program and market it both to the patients and the staff of this hospital. More appropriate and diversified activities would be a start. We can only do so much with what we have. Let's come up with some ideas and discuss tem at our next meeting. This is something I've been thinking about for a while, and although I keep patient's individual needs in mind, and try tailoring their sessions, there is only so far I can go given our limited resources. I look forward to this discussion. I totally agree. I think there is only so much we can do to tailor treatment with the limited resources we have. Also, it is not easy to get simple things like shower chairs without a fight. I also think we should all discuss some ideas at the next meeting. Arley Johnson MS, OTR/L The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Documentation
Sheila, did you take AOTA's course? I took one earlier this year online and I thought it was pretty good. I made a little outline of the important points that I got out of it because I was designing forms for a new practice and it came in handy. I'd try to find my little outline for you if you want to e-mail me. Jenny Daup [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sheila Wilson Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 2:18 PM To: otlist@otnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Documentation Does anyone out there know of a course on documentation? I have been trying to find one for OT on documentation for reimbursement and for meeting Medicare guidelines. The AOTA has been of no help in this search and I've run out of ideas! Thanks - Sheila -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] SNFs
Debbie, I can probably write up some SOAP note examples for you. Are you needing a daily encounter note (treatment session note) or a weekly progress note...what exactly do you need? E-mail me privately and I'll throw out some examples. It has been a while since I've done them for a SNF but I'll take a stab at bringing back my memory. Jenny Daup [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] In Home Rehab Business
I think it is a great idea but I it cost prohibitive if I was planning to have employees because they want paid a normal OT rate and there is a lot of travel time that is not billable...you spin your wheels pretty quickly. Now, if it is just you doing the therapy, it would probably work fine. I do a little bit of my Med B. treatments in the home but I try to keep it to a minimum. Jenny Daup -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gregory Stelmach Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 7:13 AM To: otlist@otnow.com Subject: [OTlist] In Home Rehab Business To All: Is anyone currently or seeking to develop a in-home business model where you bill Med B in the home setting? I am aggressively seeking to do this. I have not determined a significant con to this business model. Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. Greg -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] In Home Rehab Business
In our area it is hard to find someone willing to do that because the per diem rate for work in a nursing home or home health is pretty high and the therapists are paid for all of their time in that model. You would have to pay well enough to compensate the therapists for their drive time and paperwork time because that really adds up. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gregory Stelmach Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 12:22 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] In Home Rehab Business I was thinking of having employees at a per visit payment. Jenny Daup [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think it is a great idea but I it cost prohibitive if I was planning to have employees because they want paid a normal OT rate and there is a lot of travel time that is not billable...you spin your wheels pretty quickly. Now, if it is just you doing the therapy, it would probably work fine. I do a little bit of my Med B. treatments in the home but I try to keep it to a minimum. Jenny Daup -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gregory Stelmach Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 7:13 AM To: otlist@otnow.com Subject: [OTlist] In Home Rehab Business To All: Is anyone currently or seeking to develop a in-home business model where you bill Med B in the home setting? I am aggressively seeking to do this. I have not determined a significant con to this business model. Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. Greg -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] SNFs
Bill, My experience is a mirror reflection of yours. I was so fed up with working my tail off in nursing homes, doing absolutely terrific therapy and spending tons of time thinking out of the box while chasing my tail in circles to meet my quotas that I burned out too. When I finally returned I insisted on working only PRN as a contract therapist (with my OWN contract). I explained that I don't waste a single minute but that I would be billing for all of my time so don't waste it with extra paperwork or cleaning the therapy room unless you want to pay a therapist's wage to have the work done. (Fortunately, my husband has the benefits so I could do this.) We just decided that we were going to do therapy our way (my husband was an OT at the time) and that was the way it was. I talked to administration-types and was very up front with my focus and if my way of doing therapy didn't jive with their ideas, I didn't take the job. I have had to bounce around from time to time as administration changed but in the end, I felt great about sticking to my morals. I often ended up working in high need areas where an OT was hard to find. Once they got me in their facilities, they were thrilled with the patient's progress and the family's satisfaction (as compared with the contract companies who had breezed in and out and left the patients with a sense of what did I just spend the last hour doing that would help me get better? I now work in a different field within OT and have only self-induced pressure. I make sure I'm making a profit or breaking even for my employer each month and everyone is happy. The high pressure, money chasing life just wasn't for me. Jenny -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Marketing Results
Arley, What limited resources is your staff talking about? If you can get a bath bench and raised toilet seat for training as well as a sock aid, shoe horn and a table...most of the rest is just creativity. I used to set up a kitchen with a table, cardboard boxes, and cans of food, plates, etc borrowed from the kitchen. My boxes became the microwave (simulated in whatever position they have theirs at home...deep on the counter, against the wall, etc). I had patients transport their pretend plate of food from one table to another while using a walker. I used a timer and gradually increased the amount of time it took to stand at the counter while stirring soup on the stove. We practiced ways to simplify meal preparation and brainstormed easy meals for the recovery period of time when they may only be able to tolerate standing for a minute or two at a time. We practiced donning and doffing clothes on their bed, in a chair, in the bathroom using the toilet and sink for stability. These are the real situations they are returning home to. It would be nice for everyone to have grab bars and an assistant, but if that is not what they are returning home to, and then meet them where they are. My sessions took a lot of time and much of it was spent just talking through their home situations and brainstorming with the patient. They may not be getting the physical action of therapy, but through brainstorming, talking through options, then training in the physical aspect of doing the task...my units were taken care of and the patient was happy with the result. (I always explained this to the patients so they wouldn't misunderstand and think that our sessions needed to be all about exercise. I explained that I wanted them to be as independent as possible when they hit the door of their home and that much of what we would be doing is identifying potential problems and coming up with solutions ahead of time. I always explained my profession like this... Hello Mrs. Jones. My name is Jenny and I'm your occupational therapist. Have you ever had OT before? Let me tell you a little about OT. Occupational Therapists are the problem solvers of the rehab team. We help you identify what you do to occupy your day and figure out if you might have any problems with those tasks. Everything from getting dressed and preparing meals to taking care of your bathroom needs and even your jobs outside the home and hobbies. Let's talk through your week. What do you do each and every day? What do you look forward to each week? Let's make a list. Now, let's talk about each of the tasks on the list. Which ones can you do right now? Which ones do you need help with? Let's prioritize what you need to be able to do to get home safely. After we figure out how you can do those tasks, we'll start on the ones that are the next priority. It takes a bit of time but you become their friend, the patient understands the purpose of our therapy, and they will get after you if you give them an activity that doesn't relate to their goals. They will ask me, Why do you have me doing this standing peg activity? If I can rationalize it to them and give them a reason this will help them get to their goals then the activity is great to them. If I am just trying to do something easy because I'm brain dead from a week of paperwork and the daily grind...I am forced to re-think my priorities. I constantly point out their progress. Did you know that at our last session you could only stand for 30 seconds to reach for 3 cans in the cabinet before you had to sit down and today you stood for 2 whole minutes while folding towels. This will really help you build your strength for making that spaghetti sauce you told me your family loves! Make it meaningful to the patient. If you are bored watching them do the activity, they are bored too. If they don't like balloon volleyball, find something they like! I know they are tired and in pain...make them laugh, make fun of yourself, tell them stories, talk about their life, family, etc...If you aren't having fun and feeling great about your sessions at the end of the day, it is time to shake things up a bit. I love your idea about getting the therapists together. Form a think tank and by all means, chuck productivity out the door so you can offer better therapy in the long run. That was always the most stressful part of my job...management putting stress on me about productivity but not taking the monotonous part of the job off my shoulders (copying, filling in forms that could have been handled by a tech.) Now I'm on MY soapbox! Jenny -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn
Re: [OTlist] Marketing Results
Sue, I burned out on OT a couple years ago for all of these reasons...you voiced my sentiments exactly! Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
[OTlist] Why are YOU on this list
I'm also in a niche market...low vision rehab. I often listen in on other conversations but don't have much to add. I LOVE the marketing discussions because I LOVE marketing. If I could find a job where I did marketing and brainstorming 75% of the day and patient care 20% it would be my dream job...but that doesn't pay the bills. Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] OT's and Upper Extremity
Ron, you must be giving yourself a huge headache thinking through all of this every day! I'm giving you a hard time...I understand what you are saying but most OTs do whatever their current JOB requirements are...they probably aren't thinking as deep as you are about our professional roles. Jenny Daup -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 2:43 PM To: Johnson, Arley Subject: Re: [OTlist] OT's and Upper Extremity Hello Arley: Thanks for replying. I don't know that I agree with functional activity originating with our hands, but even if it does, AOTA certainly doesn't advertise OT as being UE/hand oriented. Or does it? I just don't understand how we can continue saying OT is one thing when in reality we do something else! Isn't the OT profession shooting itself in the proverbial foot!!! Any why can't we explain OT to MD's, other professionals and patients in a way that is both consistent with practice AND understandable. It's like we can do one or the other, but we can't do both!! Ron -- In the United States, occupational therapy is ideally suited to meet the health needs of people of all ages. [Fred Somers, AJOT, April, 2005] The part of convalescence that I found most profoundly humiliating and depressing was [OT]... I was reduced to playing with brightly colored plastic letters ... like a three-year-old... [AJOT, April, 2005, p. 231] - Original Message - From: Johnson, Arley [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 To: OTlist@OTnow.com OTlist@OTnow.com Subj: [OTlist] OT's and Upper Extremity JA I think I know why. OT things are functionally based. Most of our functional daily activity JA originates with the use of our hands. Therefore, basic observation of our profession and the JA medical model's need to simplify everyone's role for the average Joe dictates a simplistic and JA narrow explanation of our profession. Is it right? Of course not. But it gives our profession JA relevance to the outsider who may only get a cursory glance of what we do and it may draw them JA in for the full experience. JA Let's be honest, OT covers the spectrum of life and it entails a lot of information. Our JA charge to be the profession that rehabilitates you back into your life roles is not an easy JA task. Neither is explaining it in a manner that is understood by the public. JA Arley Johnson MS, OTR/L -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Referral Relationships Between Therapists and Physicians
I, for one, hope they leave things the way they are. I work for a physician owned practice and there is no way I would want to take care of the business aspect of my practice. I work part time...and don't want to work any more (with 2 small children). If I had to own my own practice or work in an outpatient facility, I would have a lot more stress about overhead. I'm such a tiny fish in the big pond of our physician practice that nobody pays attention to my tiny bit of overhead and I am free to focus on patient care. In all the settings I have worked in, this one is my absolute favorite. We also have a much closer working relationship (the docs and I), therefore the idea of a rehab team actually exists! Jenny Daup -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chuck Willmarth Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 2:02 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Referral Relationships Between Therapists and Physicians AOTA Seeks Feedback on the Referral Relationships Between Therapists and Physicians Should therapists be able to work directly for physicians? As part of the proposed rule on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2008, CMS is considering changing the Stark anti-kickback rules about in-office ancillary services. Current policies permit physician ownership of occupational therapy practices, permit physicians to bill for occupational therapy services other than through incident-to billing, and allow situations where occupational therapists reassign Medicare reimbursement to a physician practice. Would a change forbidding physicians to own therapy practices or use therapists as part of practices they own other than when providing services incident to. AOTA will be commenting on this issue, as well as other aspects of the proposed fee schedule rule, and seeks feedback on how these issues have impacted you. Read more about the issue at http://www.aota.org/News/AdvocacyNews/40312.aspx and provide feedback to AOTA at [EMAIL PROTECTED] by August 15th for inclusion in our official comments. Chuck Willmarth Director, State Affairs -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Referral Relationships Between Therapists andPhysicians
Ron, The way I understand this, the problem arose in situations where there was an outpatient therapy clinic in a particular location owned by therapists that was competing with an outpatient clinic owned by doctors. If you have an ortho doc who owns a therapy practice, he/she can refer to his own therapy clinic and run the other clinics out of town because they can't get any referrals. There is a potential conflict of interest when a doctor makes referrals within his/her own practice. On the other hand, I have worked with doctors who have been frustrated by their options for good therapy in their particular markets. Their frustration has lead them to the idea that if they employed the therapists, they could provide the therapists with the very best continuing education therefore tailoring the therapists knowledge to their particular patients needs. Some ortho docs prefer one specific protocol to hip rehab, hand rehab, etc. If the doctor can have some control over the therapist, they feel their patients will get the best possible rehab. I really understand the reasons behind the Stark laws, however, in my particular case...I couldn't make a practice work without the support of the doctors. Jenny Daup Even though I'm in private practice, I really don't comprehend the factors involved in this situation. Perhaps someone will explain. Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Question on placements
Becky and everyone who wants a laugh I HAVE to tell you my clinical nightmare... I was queen of bad placements! I had a fabulous mental health placement, then a scary pediatric placement. There was another student just finishing her clinical who literally pulled me into a closet and said, Get out while you can! She had been at the clinical for 75% of the time before she was allowed to touch a patient. She spent all of that time doing the paperwork for the supervisor. On a Friday afternoon, the supervisor informed her that she would be on vacation the next week and the student was to treat all the children alone. This was the first time she was allowed to touch a patient! I didn't know her and though she was exaggerating but oh NO...the first week I did all of the paperwork and on Friday of my FIRST WEEK I was told the next week was a vacation for the supervisor and that I could treat all of the kids. I called my school and they pulled me out of the fieldwork after investigating. So, they took a few weeks lining up another fieldwork. I showed up the first day and the fieldwork supervisor (the only OT in this setting) apologized and explained that she had just given her month notice and would be starting a new job so I had to cancel that one too. Now, I've wasted a number of weeks and still no fieldwork experience. So, they set up another pediatric setting for me. It was great but I was so flustered that at the 1/2 way point they sat me down and explained that I was probably going to have to extend my time because I just wasn't catching on...I did have to put in an extra week but it turned out great for me in the end. That is the point that I started being a little cynical about everyone who claims to be an OT...I'm a pretty tough judge now. I want to know that you are serious and dedicated...not just doing this for a decent paycheck. Jenny -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Do You Ever Wonder?
I've been feeling like this all year. Working in a school for kids with severe cognitive impairments, I'm tired of not being able to fix them. No one wants adaptations, environmental changes, they just want the disability to go away. You know...this is EXACTLY why I love being an OT. Every time I have been frustrated by my job or the particular setting/population, I have spent some time reflecting on my plot in life then I've either changed the way I practice or changed settings. I've worked in long term care, schools, inpatient, outpatient...you name it, I've at least dabbled in it. (Right now I only work in low vision and I absolutely LOVE it. It is the first setting that I have felt I may stay in for the rest of my career.) Most of the time I stuck with my main job then dabbled by doing some PRN work in another area. I have always felt this global view of people (all ages/stages of life) helped my therapy skills because I could see the whole continuum and treat clients in a way that viewed them as a whole person...working their way through life's continuum. Just a suggestion, maybe you could find a continuing education course that would light your fire again. Or, maybe a little moonlighting...or a visit to a therapist who is working in a similar field who is doing some sort of revolutionary program. Then again, sometimes it is just time for a change. If you are hitting a brick wall over and over (if the teachers/parents/administration have unrealistic expectations and you just can't get through), maybe it is time to go around that brick wall and look for another setting. Just some thoughts. Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Hello!
OTR = Occupational Therapist/Registered SNF = Skilled Nursing Facility -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing
Yes, you responded and gave me great suggestions. Thank you! Jenny -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Orli Weisser-Pike Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 3:01 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Jenny, did I ever respond to you? I am clearing my mailbox and I cannot remember if I did. I have been very caught up in a family situation and my mind is rather vacant these days. Let me know how I may help you. Thanks Orli -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jenny Daup Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:04 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Orli, How did you learn to teach a patient eccentric viewing? I'm trying to decide where to go to learn. I've done Mary Warren's course and I have a fabulous friend in low vision who is willing to let me spend some time observing her but I wondered if there is a course or workshop somewhere that really gets to the down and dirty techniques that I haven't been able to perfect yet? Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** - Smart Medicine. Inspired Care. And the awards to prove it. Recognized as a Top 50 Healthcare Network. To learn about other recognition and awards Baptist has earned, visit: http://www.bmhcc.org/aboutus/awards/index.asp This message and any files transmitted with it may contain legally privileged, confidential, or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are not permitted to use, copy, or forward it, in whole or in part without the express consent of the sender. Please notify the sender of the error by reply email, disregard the foregoing messages, and delete it immediately. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing
I would love to...but I have another trip planned soon so I need to pace myself. I would definitely love to talk then plan it for a couple months from now Can I give you a call sometime? Jenny -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jessica R. Gross Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:22 AM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Oops- just got to this email Would you want to come on a Fri and/or Mon to make a long weekend trip to NYC? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jenny Daup Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 2:23 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing I'm in Nebraska. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Orli Weisser-Pike Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 7:59 AM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Hi Jenny, I still think that the best way to learn is through observation and mentorship, and obviously a live workshop. Also there is a new book out by Scheiman, Scheiman and Whittaker, Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapists. I just got it on Saturday and it is brilliant, describes therapeutic techniques very well. Another source is the Learn to Use your Vision Workbook (LUV Reading) by Wright and Watson; Jose and Freeman The Art and Practice of Low Vision. Finally, the book Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing your Sight by Mogk and Mogk has a very good chapter on eccentric viewing. A good understanding of the retina, macular functioning, scotoma and the PRL is the basis of EV training. Hope this helps, got to catch a patient now! Cheers and keep the questions coming, Orli BTW--where are you in the States? Are there any courses near you? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jenny Daup Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:04 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Orli, How did you learn to teach a patient eccentric viewing? I'm trying to decide where to go to learn. I've done Mary Warren's course and I have a fabulous friend in low vision who is willing to let me spend some time observing her but I wondered if there is a course or workshop somewhere that really gets to the down and dirty techniques that I haven't been able to perfect yet? Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** - Smart Medicine. Inspired Care. And the awards to prove it. Recognized as a Top 50 Healthcare Network. To learn about other recognition and awards Baptist has earned, visit: http://www.bmhcc.org/aboutus/awards/index.asp This message and any files transmitted with it may contain legally privileged, confidential, or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are not permitted to use, copy, or forward it, in whole or in part without the express consent of the sender. Please notify the sender of the error by reply email, disregard the foregoing messages, and delete it immediately. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options
Re: [OTlist] Start ups
Look for a number on lowvision.com then call for a catalog. They are a sister company to optelec and their new catalog has the Mary Warren kit in it. They also have 90 day trial (you can return and get your money back) on their kits...if you are a new customer. Jenny Daup -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Arceneaux Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:48 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Start ups Thanks for the post Jessica, I checked Optelec's website and couldn't find the info on Mary Warren's kits. I worked with an optometrist once that had attended several of her conferences, so I guess I could try contacting him. Although, I'm not certain whats become of him lately as we had a recent not planned move to a neighboring state. If you could provide further information on these kits it would be appreciated. The program would be part of a hospital outpatient center. I have seen patient's for low vision services in the past, but only in a SNF and home health background. Never had the need for much equipment, but doing this in outpatient is a different story. Jim Jessica R. Gross [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A low vision program could be costly depending on what supplies you have access to. I share a wall with 2 OD's and we share everything!! The clinic has 2 CCTV's, a reader, filters, all sorts of specs and magnifiers, and all the ADL equipment. Mary Warren has 2 kits with devices, which are available from Optelec (not sure the cost). Would your program be connected to a hospital/health care system? Would you see clients in their homes? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Arceneaux Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:08 PM To: otlist@otnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Start ups Hello everyone, Would anyone on the list be willing to share start up supply lists, etc for: 1. Sensory integration with a geriatric pysch. population? I am specifically interested in a sensory room. What would be your choices on training and/or obtaining the expertise needed to pull this off? 2. An outpatient program for low vision rehabilitation. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Jim Arceneaux - Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** - We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing
I'm in Nebraska. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Orli Weisser-Pike Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 7:59 AM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Hi Jenny, I still think that the best way to learn is through observation and mentorship, and obviously a live workshop. Also there is a new book out by Scheiman, Scheiman and Whittaker, Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapists. I just got it on Saturday and it is brilliant, describes therapeutic techniques very well. Another source is the Learn to Use your Vision Workbook (LUV Reading) by Wright and Watson; Jose and Freeman The Art and Practice of Low Vision. Finally, the book Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing your Sight by Mogk and Mogk has a very good chapter on eccentric viewing. A good understanding of the retina, macular functioning, scotoma and the PRL is the basis of EV training. Hope this helps, got to catch a patient now! Cheers and keep the questions coming, Orli BTW--where are you in the States? Are there any courses near you? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jenny Daup Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:04 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Eccentric Viewing Orli, How did you learn to teach a patient eccentric viewing? I'm trying to decide where to go to learn. I've done Mary Warren's course and I have a fabulous friend in low vision who is willing to let me spend some time observing her but I wondered if there is a course or workshop somewhere that really gets to the down and dirty techniques that I haven't been able to perfect yet? Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** - Smart Medicine. Inspired Care. And the awards to prove it. Recognized as a Top 50 Healthcare Network. To learn about other recognition and awards Baptist has earned, visit: http://www.bmhcc.org/aboutus/awards/index.asp This message and any files transmitted with it may contain legally privileged, confidential, or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are not permitted to use, copy, or forward it, in whole or in part without the express consent of the sender. Please notify the sender of the error by reply email, disregard the foregoing messages, and delete it immediately. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Magnifier recommendations
Thanks Jessica! -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
[OTlist] Magnifier recommendations
Orli, I'm starting in Low Vision and I'm trying to sort through the various magnifier manufacturers out there. Do you mind telling me which brands you like to use? I have Eschenbach, Coil and Power Mags at the clinic and I don't know that I want to keep all 3 lines in my bag of tricks (since the practice is still fairly small and I need to keep costs down). Thanks, Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
[OTlist] ethical wheelchair question
Here is an ethical question for all of you. -DME company dispenses a number of wheelchairs to clients with the promise that medicare or insurance will pay for them. - DME company then requests that an outpatient clinic send a therapist to evaluate clients for the wheelchairs that they already have and then file paperwork for medical necessity. Here is the clincher...the patients have had their wheelchairs for an extended length of time, anywhere from 6 months to 18 months! Many of the clients are openly hostile to the OT because they don't see a reason that she is there to do a wheelchair evaluation. They are afraid she is going to take their wheelchair away. What do you think? Is it ethical to perform the eval after the fact? -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Medicare
I'd be interested in listening in on the discussion if you don't mind. It is something I've contemplated and would like to know what I'd be in for if I took the plunge. Jenny -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 6:29 AM To: Mary Alice Cafiero Subject: Re: [OTlist] Medicare Hello Mary: I bill Medicare almost every week. I am glad to help however I can. We should probably take this OFF the list as it won't apply to many people. Ron - Original Message - From: Mary Alice Cafiero [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007 To: OTlist@OTnow.com OTlist@OTnow.com Subj: [OTlist] Medicare MAC Does anyone on the list have the wonderful experience of billing MAC Medicare directly? This is something that I have been doing lately MAC since I have just recently left a hospital position and begun an MAC adventure as an independent contractor. I would love to hear anyone's MAC experiences. I feel like I'm climbing a serious uphill trek. MAC Mary Alice -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release Date: 2/1/2007 2:28 PM -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
[OTlist] dyslexia and vision rehab
I'm doing a bit of work in low vision at an ophthalmologist office and I've been getting some referrals for children who have dyslexia. The docs are asking is there anything you can do for these kids. I've worked in the schools...have a lot of experience there...trying to decide if I have a leg to stand on (insurance-wise) in evaluating these kids and working with them to see what we can help them with. Anyone in vision rehab out there? What do you do with these kids? The nearest behavioral or neuro-optomotrist works 90 miles away. Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] dyslexia and vision rehab
I did a bit more research today after posting and decided that this is out of my area of expertise for the moment. I think I'm going to check into all the other possible local resources for these kids until I can find some better training and have a better grasp on what to look for and do for them. Thanks, Jenny -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Acute Care OT?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I always found the most difficult part of working for any company (now I privately contract and have more control over my time) was the amount of time they expected me to bill vs. my planning time for treatment sessions...gathering supplies, etc. Many times I was in a clinic that had a couple splints, cones, clothes pins, and weights. There are always the reachers, sock aids, etc. But if I wanted to really get down to my clients personalized life tasks I had to do all the planning and gathering of supplies on my own personal time because productivity was such a focus. After gaining a number of years of experience I started doing a little bit of PRN contract work and I noticed that I started being a little stronger in my conviction that I was going to do what was best for the patient...not necessarily what was the status quo of the facility. More clients and families started commenting and asking for me specifically because their experiences with previous OTs had been different and they didn't necessarily see the benefit of their past OT experience. Now that I only work on a PRN contract basis (there is enough work in my area that I could work 80 hours a week if I wanted) I make it very clear that I may be a different breed of OT than they are used to and after I've worked at a facility for a period of time, they are free to take my services or leave them. I've never lost a contract and most of them beg me to come on full-time (which I won't do because I have tried it too many times and been in situations where I'm being pressured to do standard care or up my productivity). I've been out of OT school since 1995 and I've only worked with ONE other OT who has had a similar style...he is a COTA in my area and the finest OT I've ever had the opportunity to work with. I'd clone him in an instant if I could. And he is leaving the profession! I end up spending a lot of extra time with some of my clients and much less with others (as compared with other OTs). By the way, if anyone needs a new area to move to, contact me. I live in an area with a HUGE need for OTs and I could point you in the right direction (I'm in central Nebraska). Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Role of OT
Hooray for you Mary Alice! I just love working PRN and be-bopping in, blowing them away with a different style of therapy and leaving them with tons of questions in their heads. I bet someone looked at you and thought, now why didn't I think of that! Then again, to too many people (in every profession, not just OT) their job is just a way to get that paycheck. Jenny Daup -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Swallowing
I did tons of swallowing back in the early 90's. I am now in a different setting. Jenny Daup, OTR/L -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Smith Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 6:51 AM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Swallowing I have never met any ot who has done swallowing. I think speech has taken over. Chris ___ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web! -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ** -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.0/557 - Release Date: 11/29/2006 4:15 PM -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
