The big news here at TR is the launching of our new web site and newsletter. We will use our newsletter to keep the rehab and educational communities informed of changes in the marketplace which may affect the demand for our services. We will also update you on new trends and areas of interest – both professional and personal. We welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions.
Our newly re-launched website boasts some amazing new features:
Obama Supports Healthcare and Educational Initiatives
So far this year the news has been dominated by the economic downturn and its impact on all of our lives. Fortunately for those of us working in the fields of healthcare and education the job market remains strong, The presidency of Barack Obama, bodes well for our industries considering his support of educational and healthcare initiatives. Yet, budget deficits at the state level threaten reimbursement for the long term care industry, early intervention and special education. Remember – when reimbursements are cut our jobs are in jeopardy.
In order to ensure that our interests are represented in the State and Federal political arena, it is crucial that we all join and support our professional associations. Their lobbying efforts on our behalf help to avoid cuts in rehabilitation and educational services to the populations we serve.
Find links to keep you abreast of current issues affecting our profession on our Resources Page.
Rehab and Education Named Best Recession Proof Occupations
On a positive note, a recent Time Magazine article (November 13, 2008) named Occupational and Physical Therapy one of the the top 20 “Best Recession Proof Jobs”. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% growth in the fields of OT and PT , 11% growth in speech and language pathology and 15% growth in special education through the year 2016. While the BLS warns that Federal cuts in reimbursement for therapy will have a negative impact on the field of rehabilitation, over the long run, demand will continue to grow due to the increase in the population projected to be most in need of our services.
Latest Update on NYS Long Term Care Medicaid Reimbursement
After 25 years of using the PRI’s to determine Medicaid rates in long term care facilities, a new case mix system has been initiated using the RUGS III classification system and MDS data. In order to survive the fiscal challenges we face in New York State, all therapists and assistants working in the long term care arena must learn about the new system and how it impacts the way caseloads are managed. While there is fear in the industry that the revised system will result in substantial Medicaid cuts to long term care, it also offers opportunities for the field of rehabilitation to provide enhanced programming to long term care residents.
As part of IDEA requirements, the NYC Department of Education is instituting changes in their annual report documents. The newly coined “SMART Annual Goals” must be “specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time related”. To help our providers comply with these changes, TR has made resources available to current TR DOE clincians here.
So far this year the news has been dominated by the economic downturn and its impact on all of our lives. Fortunately for those of us working in the fields of healthcare and education the job market remains strong, The presidency of Barack Obama, bodes well for our industries considering his support of educational and healthcare initiatives. Yet, budget deficits at the state level threaten reimbursement for the long term care industry, early intervention and special education. Remember – when reimbursements are cut our jobs are in jeopardy.
