Celebrating National Rehabilitation Week
For over 40 years, WellSky has supported rehabilitation organizations as they work to deliver safe and effective care to those in need. Our configurable inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation solutions play a small role in supporting clinical documentation and protecting the reimbursement of the 12 million+ rehabilitation treatments our clients deliver annually.
For National Rehabilitation Week 2021, we’re recognizing the impact our clients have on their communities by spotlighting their highly specialized programs and skilled clinicians and therapists. We asked them why they believe physical rehabilitation is important to their communities. Here’s what they shared:
- Dr. Lauren Thomas, rehabilitation neuropsychologist at Inova Fairfax Hospital
When someone experiences a catastrophic injury or illness that affects their ability to be independent, it can sometimes be misconstrued as the end of the road. Our team is really good at helping patients, their families, and our community embrace disability and recognize that a disability does not mean quality of life has to be sacrificed. We’re good at being advocates and helping people with disabilities fully integrate into their communities. - McKenzie Arondelli, MOT, OT-R, occupational therapist at Indianapolis Rehabilitation Hospital, a Nobis managed inpatient rehabilitation hospital
Working in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital is hard work – but it’s worth it. We help people become more independent after suffering from strokes or other illnesses. I often get cards from patients, and they tell me how much our rehabilitation services have impacted them. Our long-term goal is to develop more stroke support services to continue to serve patients in the Carmel and Indianapolis area. - Kaylene Hernandez, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, doctor of physical therapy at Indiana University (IU) Health North Hospital
We have the capability to get people back to doing things they love. We have the unique opportunity to ask people what’s important to them – is it running or walking down the aisle at your daughter’s wedding. We get to give people the tools to help themselves. - Heather Blanton, DPT, ATC, doctor of physical therapy at IU Health Bloomington
Rehabilitation professionals are mostly non-invasive. We’re trying to help people without medication. Instead, we’re trying to give them the tools and the power to help themselves. - Michael Studnicka, DPT, OMPT, clinical specialist at ProMedica
In our profession we have more time to spend with our patients. We create life-long relationships which tilts our ability to make a significant impact more likely to occur; whether it’s in one visit or over a length of time. - Andy Parsons, PT, DPT, OCS, clinical lead at ProMedica
We’re using evidence-based practice to elevate the standard of care across ProMedica’s system of several hundred therapists. Each interaction is elevated a little bit, so our outcomes are the best they can be across our system and thus our communities. - Maria DeCarlo, FACHE, MBA, vice president of post-acute services and rehabilitation at Sarasota Memorial Health System
I don’t think I’ve ever met a rehabilitation professional that has not looked at a patient as an individual and focused their efforts on what is most important to that individual. Rehabilitation professionals consider the balance between work, play, and self-care as it relates to a person’s quality of life. It’s truly a blessing for our community to have access to a nationally ranked inpatient rehabilitation program without having to leave the area. - Laura Magnusson, MBA, OT/L, director of rehabilitation services at Sarasota Memorial Health System
I think as rehabilitation professionals we look at the person and try to figure out what is meaningful to them – we want to know what the patient needs to do and what they want to be able to do. We find out ‘what makes you, you,’ and that transitions with the patient from inpatient care to outpatient care where all that work continues. Every community needs a great, person-focused rehabilitation continuum.
By working hand in hand with their patients, rehabilitation professionals provide individuals with the tools they need to get back to the activities they love most. All of us at WellSky are grateful for the work you do every day. We thank you for letting us support the work you do in your communities.