Hello Members!

By Sandra Norby, PT

Thank you for your trust in my ability to lead the Private Practice Section as your president. I am excited to join your talented Board of Directors to ensure that important, ongoing initiatives continue to be managed for the best outcome and to champion exciting new efforts that will positively impact the Section’s strategic plan and goals.

Your Board hit the ground running after the successful Annual Conference in Chicago. In December, your Committee Chairs and Board liaisons met and put together a plan that will enhance communication and delivery of the items you are asking for. We are excited to move forward with a new committee structure that you will find value in as well as increasing opportunities for microvolunteering.

To kick off the year and my first message to membership, I will touch on three areas. First is payment. Our investment in the Milliman project on low back pain to give you tools for negotiation is close to completion. In fact, by the time you are reading this, we hope the white paper is in your hands, and education is being rolled out on how to use the data. Second is advocacy. In a national payer environment that isn’t working, it feels like our fight is like a Band-Aid that has lost its adhesive over a bleeding wound. All health care disciplines have been affected, and physical medicine did not escape cuts. Being engaged with your legislatures and bringing forward the personal stories of hardship that your patients are facing is critical. Last, but not least, is marketing. Fit Factor, Marketing Toolkit, @MyPhysTherapist, and 99 Marketing ideas are free tools available for you to use. Check them out on ppsapta.org.