Possible or Impossible?

By Stacy M. Menz, PT, DPT, PCS

While I have had the opportunity to meet many PPS members over the years, I know there are so many of you that I have not yet met. Given that, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as I transition into the role of editor of Impact magazine. I am the sole owner of Starfish Therapies, a pediatric physical and occupational therapy practice in the San Francisco Bay area. I have been a PPS member for five years. While I am familiar with Impact, having been on the Editorial Board for the past couple of years, as I take on this new role as managing editor, I am both nervous and excited. The nerves are probably self-explanatory—it is a brand-new experience. The excitement, oddly enough, is for the same reason: It is a brand-new experience! While the unknown can be terrifying, I find it exciting because it creates opportunities for change and growth.

As I was reading through this issue, it is evident how much Medicare and all that is required of providers determines how a private practice is structured. With the requirements from Medicare for compliance as well as other federal and local regulations, it naturally begs the question “How do we remain compliant and maintain a profit?” While I do not work with Medicare in my pediatric practice, I deal with these same questions on a daily basis.

I have found, that when health care changes, it provides an opportunity to step back and look at the overall operation. What is our payer mix? Are our therapists working as efficiently as possible? Are the things that worked a year ago, still working? Change can be scary, but sometimes change can bring about the greatest opportunities. Chairman of the Grand Circle Corp., Alan Lewis, said, “Most organizations believe they are not working as well as they used to. They blame the rapid and unpredictable changes that are going on around them. Many of them have failed to grasp one fundamental truth: Change is the new constant. To be successful in the 21st century requires an approach that change is here to stay, so one of the most critical components for success is now the ability to build a culture to adapt and thrive in change.” We have to be comfortable with change, embrace it, and let it drive new ideas and practice patterns.