By Eric Paley
Reviewed by Jean Darling, PT, LAT
Many of us in the private practice physical therapy world have been visionaries at some point. This ability has helped propel us to where we are today in our practices and in life. However, leading others down your path involves more than just having good ideas. As Eric Paley writes, “Vision is the license to play the startup game and the base ingredient for being a leader. The challenge you face now isn’t easy—you have to lead.”
Help your community make choices that will have a positive impact on their well-being.
By Don Levine, PT, DPT, FAFS
Welcome to the start of June when many families prepare to take their summer vacations. How can your practice guide your community members to make good choices that will have a positive impact on their well-being? June is also Men’s Health Month, and with Father’s Day approaching, the committee will highlight several organizations and activities that will help your current and potential clients understand the value that you provide in your community.
Range of motion measurement in an easy-to-use application.
By Dan Fleury, PT, DPT
As health care evolves and therapists are challenged to become more efficient, we often turn to technology for help. I have recently learned about GetMyROM application from Interactive Medical Productions. Released in 2011, the GetMyROM application appealed to me because it addressed one of the most time consuming aspects of information gathering during the initial evaluation.
Obtaining accurate baseline and follow up range of motion (ROM) measures can have a variety of implications, but specifically affect two issues that are vital in our business—payment and utilization management. Decisions over payment often hinge on the ability to accurately measure impairments, and this tool provides a quick and easy method for accomplishing that.
GetMyROM is a digital inclinometer that uses the iPhone screen to display the measurements. The app zeroes the starting angle of a measurement, giving you a true angle of measurement from your starting point—a unique feature. For example, if you are checking knee ROM, and the knee resting position is not exactly 0 degrees, the app adjusts by subtracting the starting ROM from the ending ROM and providing the true range.
The app also allows data storage for retrieval, as well as left and right, specific joint, and direction of movement measured. There is a handy clock indicator to assist you in positioning the iPhone while taking measurements.
The cost of the app is $2.99—far less expensive than a traditional inclinometer priced between $50 to $60. The one drawback: You need an iPhone! Overall, the app is self-explanatory but help features and online videos assist those who are not so technically inclined.
Dan Fleury, PT, DPT, is an Impact editorial board member and a partner with Pinnacle Rehabilitation Network in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He can be reached at dan@pinnaclerehab.net.
The ones who think outside the box.
By Brett Roberts, PT, DPT
The following is an excerpt from a speech delivered at the 2014 Graham Sessions, Salt Lake City, Utah, January 2014.
“Here’s to the crazy ones….because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs1
