By now, most physical therapists (PTs) have heard the news: the final 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) released in early November by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) included some significant variations from the PFS proposed in July. Instead of finalizing CPT code values that were the same as—and occasionally larger than—current values, CMS opted to offer up a more complicated combination of cuts and increases that could affect PTs in different ways, depending on their case-mix and billing patterns.

I was privileged to be one of the three students from Marymount University in attendance at this year’s NSC.  As a third-year student, weary from the hard work and daily challenges of PT school, the conference provided a great reminder of the significant value and power of our field.

NSC differs from other conferences because it is specifically designed to prepare students for their physical therapy careers. The “Ignite!” talks on Thursday night got the conference energy going and it carried over into a networking event later in the evening. We kicked off Friday morning with keynote speaker, Alysia Montano, discussing the role of physical therapy in her running career and, as a bonus, learned the real story behind the flower in her hair. I attended sessions focused on unique careers in physical therapy such as travel PT, geriatrics, lymphedema, and opportunities available within the US Paralympics. Other sessions I attended explored the role of physical therapists in the primary care setting within a novel health care model, post-professional education options, tools for evaluating and classifying low back pain, and professional development through specialist certification. Following these informative sessions, I felt more prepared and informed to navigate my individual future career path.

Networking has historically been a challenge for me. However, networking was one of the best parts of attending NSC! Enthusiasm, passion, and excitement are contagious. I was empowered to introduce myself to APTA President Sharon Dunn and even attempted to make a joke! By connecting and speaking with other physical therapists I felt part of something bigger. I was also humbled, grateful, and extremely proud to witness and support my fellow classmates in their bid for positions on the Student Assembly Board of Directors.

NSC was an amazing whirlwind and I am so grateful for the experience. Without hesitation I can say the future of physical therapy is promising and I feel extremely privileged to be a part of it. My three main takeaways from NSC: stay weird, stay unique, stay ignited.
Lisa Saladino

Tidewater District January Meeting Details

When:  Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Where:  PIVOT Physical Therapy at Oyster Point (Newport News)

Time:   6:30 pm Refreshments provided by sponsor, raffle items provided by district
7:00 pm Brief business meeting and special presentation

*Pain Neuroscience and Implications for PT*

Implementation of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact continues to move forward, as the PT Compact Commission met on November 5, 2017, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, for its first in-person meeting. At this meeting the Commission adopted rules, bylaws, and its 2018 operating budget. The Commission's new website was also unveiled, with a demonstration of how licensees will use the site to apply for and manage compact privileges in participating states. Systems development is on track for a launch sometime in the first half of 2018.

Wolfe-Burke Recognized

Congratulations Missy Wolfe-Burke for your dedication and leadership over the last 6 years on the Board of Physical Therapy!