Karissa Watson has been promoted to Director, Adaptive Housing Solutions

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

Join us in congratulating Karissa Watson on her promotion to Director of Adaptive Housing Solutions for ATF Medical.  In this role, Karissa and her sharp team of adaptive housing coordinators work closely with occupational therapists and Assistive Technology Professionals to design and implement home modifications.

“We collaborate to create a comprehensive solution that integrates the complex rehab technology and mobility equipment with any construction or other adaptive housing changes,” Karissa said.  Changes can involve reinforcing structures so that the home can handle the size and weight of the recommended equipment.

“We turn to our OT Melissa Smith to make sure the project is clinically appropriate for the injured worker’s condition and lifestyle,” Karissa added.

Collaborating with all the specialists involved enables ATF Medical to determine the best combination of adaptive housing and complex rehab technology to foster an injured person’s independence and mobility.

Karissa and our adaptive housing coordinators also identify contractors for projects, manage the projects, and oversee work to ensure adaptive housing solutions come in on time and within budget.

Home mods are challenging.  There are numerous elements to manage and deadlines to meet. Plus, there’s a need for frequent communication with many different stakeholders. Karissa appreciates ATF Medical’s technology that enables adaptive housing specialists to include injured workers and their caretakers in the process and keep them informed every step of the way.

“We’re also able to send case managers and claims reps regular updates.  No one has to wonder about the status of the project,” she said.

Since joining ATF Medical in 2019, she has earned the Certified Environmental Access Consultant (C.E.A.C.) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certifications.  She is committed to growing in her profession!

 

Jim Rogalsky Assumes Role of SVP of Rehab Technology & Adaptive Housing

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

As ATF Medical continues its growth, Susan Nelson-Glover, COO, CFO, who co-founded the company with Sid Glover and is its co-owner, wants to ensure that the company’s operations can efficiently accommodate increased volume.

“If you want more business, you have to be more,” she said. “At this stage of our development, we need an experienced leader to take us to the next level.”

Jim Rogalsky has that exact experience. He has served as an exec and owner in fast-growing workers’ comp companies for the past 30+ years.  Here’s a news release on his background.

With a new title of Senior Vice President of Rehab Technology/Adaptive Housing, Jim will apply lessons learned over the years to ATF Medical’s service delivery.  Tag James Rogalsky on Linked In or email jrogalsky@atfmedical.com to congratulate, connect or reconnect with him.

Grace Carter has been promoted to SVP, Finance & Operations!

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024

Grace Carter has just received a well-deserved promotion at ATF Medical. In her new role as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations, she oversees the company’s finance and operations team, which includes human resources and information technology and manages security, privacy and accreditation.

Grace came to ATF Medical over 10 years ago from Washington Post Media, where she served as Manager of Credit and Collections. Her earlier career included positions in banking, customer service, and financial revenue accounting.

With her strong administrative background and extensive accounts receivable experience, Grace added value to the company immediately. Not surprisingly, CEO/President Sid Glover and Susan Nelson, COO who co-founded ATF Medical, tapped into her organizational skills and proven ability to review and document policies and procedures. It is also no surprise that this is Grace’s fourth promotion with the company.

“Grace helped us develop the systems and policies needed to support the company’s growth,” Susan said. “We are so grateful to have her and proud to have her on our team of senior executives.”

Congratulate Grace by emailing her a gcarter@atfmedical.com or tagging Grace on Linked In.

 

Veterans Day Salute

Friday, November 10th, 2023

This Veterans Day, we honor one of our own: Mike Bales, ATP, CRTS.

Between 1984 and 1988, Mike served as a U.S. Marine in Field Artillery, completing several tours of duty in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Far East. A month after his honorable discharge, he entered the medical equipment field and moved into rehabilitation in 1998.

Now with ATF Medical, Mike works directly and indirectly with injured workers, mostly in the Appalachian coal mining regions of Virginia, near West Virginia. He provides invaluable mobility solutions for older coal miners and other workers.

Mike, we deeply appreciate your service, both as a Marine and as a Rehab Specialist. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and contributions.

New Employee Profile: Jim Rogalsky, VP of Client Services

Monday, October 9th, 2023

As ATF Medical grows, we have strengthened our executive team, most recently with the addition of Jim Rogalsky as Vice President of Client Services.

Jim is a 35+ year veteran of workers’ compensation, mostly with ancillary services companies. (Ancillary care services include physical therapy networks, pharmacy benefit managers, transportation and translation companies, home healthcare companies, along with providers of complex rehab technology, DME and home modifications.) CompDME, PhysNet, CypressCare/Healthcare Solutions, and TechHealth are among his past employers.

In addition, Jim was an owner of Priority Care Solutions, a specialty managed care network based in Tampa, Florida. He and his partners ran PCS for over a decade before it was acquired by Genex, which was in turn, part of a merger of companies that ultimately became Apricus.

Jim and his wife Carole live in Lithia, Florida and enjoy traveling and spending time at the beach. They have four grown children and eight grandchildren. One son and one son-in-law also have careers in the workers’ comp industry.

Here’s a Q&A with Jim:

You’ve been involved in workers’ compensation for most of your career. What do you like about comp?

Workers’ compensation is complicated and intriguing. You need to balance the needs of payers to contain costs and for injured workers to receive high-quality care. Obviously, facilitating recovery as quickly as medically appropriate and returning the employee to work is a huge part of reducing claims cost. Plus, it’s a relationship-oriented industry. People tend to know each other, form friendships, and want to work with each other.

How did your interest in catastrophic claims come about?

Priority Care Solutions served several municipalities and water and power agencies, so we saw several gunshot wounds, falls, burns, and electrocutions. Providing complex rehab technology, home modifications and vehicle mods to people with catastrophic injuries like these is immensely fulfilling. You can actually see how you are helping people and changing their lives.

How did you learn about ATF Medical?

I’ve known about the company for years and tapped ATF Medical’s services for all my previous companies.

What does “VP of Client Services” mean in our company?

Essentially, a client services department creates and strengthens bonds between a company and its clients. Client services departments look for ways to improve and enhance relationships and generate more referrals from existing clients. The lessons learned are applied to new business development as well.

We want to be sure that clients are satisfied with all ATF Medical services. Did they receive immediate responses to their questions or referrals? Were there unnecessary delays in delivering equipment? Are repairs made as quickly as possible? Do reports and updates come in formats that clients can easily use?

I also follow up with referral sources to determine the reason for order cancellations. Sometimes it’s because the proposal is higher than another company’s and we can look for ways to shave some costs or more thoroughly explain the recommendations, service levels, and pricing.

Doing this can salvage a proposal and build rapport with claims representatives. It gives us an opportunity to tell them about our all-encompassing, patient-centric approach and how we take work off their desks.

We also want to get involved earlier in complex claims. By reaching out to hospital case managers and nurses, we can monitor a claim’s progress, help with discharge planning, and make sure everything is in place when the worker comes home from the hospital or rehab center.

What do you think about the way the industry is today? What are some of the challenges we face?

The industry is in flux. There has been so much consolidation in recent years with boutique (ancillary provider) companies being purchased by larger conglomerates that there aren’t many players left. In addition, Baby Boomers are retiring so you’re losing adjusters with 20 to 30 years of experience.

The way we market has changed. Fee schedules have been beaten down to practically nothing, and networks can’t afford to offer 20-30% discounts like they did in the past.

As far as challenges go, COVID-19 radically changed how we work. With the move to remote and hybrid workplaces, we don’t have the face-to-face access to prospects and clients that we did. Zoom and Teams are a way of life, and not the best methods of communication. I think that negatively impacts relationships, making it harder to form bonds and renew friendships. LinkedIn can help, but it doesn’t replace face-to-face, in-person meetings. Conferences and webinars are becoming more important.

A lot of new technology has entered the market. New power chairs and cushions and new features come to market all the time. The good news for us is that it takes credentialed and experienced specialists to determine which will work better for a particular injured worker in a particular home or work environment.

If you haven’t had a chance to meet Jim yet, email him and introduce yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

New Employee Spotlight: Kayla Gast

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Kayla Gast joined the ATF Medical team as Rehab Coordinator II in Rehab Technology in May. She is in Shawano, Wisconsin and has lived in that area her whole life.  She enjoys having her whole family nearby.

After earning her Associate of Science degree in nursing, she became a Care Manager Support Assistant for Humana and later moved to Healthy Transitional Living, where she worked with foster children.

She went on into the fast-paced world of a 911 operator in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area.  The job demanded effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy and attention to detail. She had to multi-task and stay calm under pressure. Perhaps the most important thing she learned from the position, though, was how to manage stress.

Kayla entered the workers’ comp industry as a Work Comp Specialist when she joined CorLife, a division of NuMotion, in 2022. She must have done very well because she received the CorLife Associate of the Year Award that year and was promoted to Senior Work Comp Claims Specialist. In that role, Kayla communicated consistently and in detail with carriers, injured workers, vendors and others. She also reviewed new claims and created a plan of action to achieve favorable outcomes. And she honed her stress management skills.

What does she like about workers’ compensation?

Kayla says the difficulty of it all appeals to her—the challenge of completing a solution for an injured worker.

“You have to be careful about what you say, and how you say it,” she noted. “And you need a lot of empathy for the injured worker.  They didn’t go to work expecting to get hurt. We can help them adapt to all changes they are experiencing and make their new life a little easier.”

Kayla’s dog, Maverick

How is working at ATF Medical?

 She likes the openness of ATF Medical and getting to know everyone. “The culture here is very welcoming and not only focuses on you as an employee but also as a person,” Kayla said.

Working remotely for the first time is an adjustment, but being home with her cat and dog is a nice change of pace and she doesn’t miss driving 45 minutes each way to work.

How does she spend her leisure time?

When not on the job, Kayla hangs out with her family and friends, enjoys boating and swimming at the lake.  She also likes to travel and wants to do more of it.

Please welcome Kayla to the team or say hello if you’re already connected. Welcome Kayla to the team. Maybe you can share some tips on how you manage the remote work lifestyle and get some stress management techniques from her.  Email her mgast@atfmedical.com.

 

New Employee Spotlight: Cassie Kratz

Tuesday, August 29th, 2023

Cassie Kratz recently joined ATF Medical, bringing eight years of claims management and direct patient care to her Rehab Coordinator II/Rehab Technology position at ATF Medical.

Most recently as a Senior Claims Specialist for CorLife, the workers’ comp division of NuMotion, she managed day-to-day claims operations and supported a team of Claims Specialists. Cassie is accustomed to coordinating durable medical equipment and complex rehab technology along with vehicle modifications for injured workers.

How did her career progress?

While attending the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point, Cassie worked as a Direct Support Professional Caregiver at Innovative Services. She served a wide range of people with severe disabilities, including non-verbal quadriplegics, and assisted clients with activities of daily living. This included helping them use Hoyer Lifts and other DME.

“That job showed me the importance of locating the correct equipment and supplies based on an individual’s physical capabilities,” Cassie said.

After graduating with a degree in Health Science, she became an Adult Instructor with the CP Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She assessed client performance in specific skill areas and followed physical and occupational therapists’ plans to promote range of motion and independence. And she planned the curriculum for patient educational programs and taught some of them.

Intrigued with complex rehab technology, Cassie moved to CorLife in 2020, where she was introduced to workers’ comp. And she likes it.

“There’s a slight difference in someone who had a disability their whole life, and someone who wants to regain the independence they had prior to the injury,” she said. “Also, the workers’ comp CRT is more sophisticated. It’s never stagnant, there are always newer models and features that can help someone become independent. I’m always learning.”

Speaking of learning, Cassie appreciates how helpful ATF Medical’s technicians are. “They have super busy schedules and caseloads, but they still make time to explain something to me or get on a call with a client to talk through options. I am not alone when trying to solve a problem.”

Cassie, who lives just outside of Green Bay in the village of Luxemburg, has two sassy corgis that keep her busy. She also likes to bake and go boating. And she used to play in a volleyball league, but recently had to slow down because Cassie and her fiancé are expecting a baby! Hopefully, the corgis will approve of the new addition to the family.

Congratulate Cassie on the new position and the baby! Her email is ckratz@atfmedical.com.

 

 

Rehab Technology Specialist Kevin Wallace Discusses Bariatric Equipment

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

WorkCompWire just published an insightful article on bariatric equipment by our Kevin Wallace, ATP, CRTS, Rehab Technology Specialist.

Not only does Kevin bring over 30 years of knowledge and patient care experience to the topic, but he brings a deep level of sensitivity and compassion.

The topic is a tricky one – equipping a claim for an obese injured worker.  When Kevin started working with obese patients, bariatric beds, wheelchairs, and other equipment were so heavy and unsightly that injured workers refused to use chairs outside their homes or have people over to visit.

Fortunately, the industry gave bariatric equipment a makeover and the newer, cooler wheelchairs, beds and equipment help overcome embarrassment and isolation. The concept of inclusivity has finally reached this segment of the market.

Check out the article here.

And be sure to share/like/and comment on the LinkedIn posts on this and next week’s article on adaptive housing solutions by Melissa Smith.

 

Erin Zablocki Obtains Minnesota Certified Specialist License

Monday, July 10th, 2023

Although she oversees all our rehabilitation services, our Executive Director of Rehab Technology Erin Zablocki has a special love for adaptive housing solutions for injured workers. So it comes as no surprise that she recently became licensed as a Minnesota Certified Accessibility Specialist.

Erin took a day-long class on the scoping and technical criteria of the Minnesota Accessibility Code and commercial building plan review and then sat for the exam. She has added AS to the long list of initials after her name. Erin was already a Certified Environmental Access Consultant (C.E.A.C.) and was one of the first five people in the country to earn the Master C.E.A.C. certification. Since she also holds the Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) and Certified DME Specialist (CDME) certifications, you can address her as Erin Zablocki, CDME, Master C.E.A.C., ECHM, AS.

ATF Medical strongly supports the professional development of our team members. Making the effort to earn certifications and licenses shows dedication to grow in their fields, and expand their expertise. And staying on top of the new products, technologies, and techniques empowers our specialists to provide the most appropriate mobility, accessibility, and rehab solutions to workers’ comp patients.

Give Erin a shout-out! Email her at ezablocki@atfmedical.com.

New Standing Chair Expands Access and Functionality

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Photos provided by Permobil

Advances in complex rehab technology continue to redefine accessibility and independence for injured workers. And manufacturers continue to refine their offerings.

ATF Medical stays up to date on the latest, always monitoring new products, features and benefits so we can recommend the best fit for an injured worker.  Our Manager of Complex Rehab David Bedard, ATP, C.H.A.M.P. recently checked out Permobil’s new M Corpus VS Power Chair and shared some thoughts.

This remarkable chair combines the maneuverability of mid-wheel drive with an anterior tilt feature, delivering new accessibility and functionality for injured workers.

“A lot of standing chairs have front-wheel drive and can’t turn in tight spaces,” Bedard said. “This new model features a mid-wheel drive, which cuts down on the chair’s footprint when turning.”

Even more innovative is its anterior tilt feature, which enables the seating system to move into a 45-degree anterior tilt. Typically, power wheelchairs come with a posterior tilt function.

“The forward tilt is fairly new,” Bedard explained. “Permobil calls this ActiveReachTM because it allows patients to tilt forward and reach in front of themselves.  “This way they can do more activities of daily living, help their kids get ready for school, or use a keyboard. This feature will enable some people to return to work.”

In previous blogs and Linked In posts, we have discussed the many ways standing chairs increase functionality and accessibility.  Using one, an injured worker can stand at a stove of standard height, cook their own meals and reach for something from a top shelf.

Healthwise, the standing position empowers the body to work as designed. Standing is good for circulation, bone density, muscle strength, and it helps reduce atrophy. Standing chairs also improve bladder and bowel management because they put people in position to allow gravity to void fluids from the body.  This helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, standing chairs provide one of the best pressure release techniques, helping patients avoid painful pressure injuries (wounds.)

“In fact, standing chairs help people live longer and healthier,” Bedard said.

They also provide all kinds of mental health benefits. Being more productive, being able to look people in the eyes during conversations, and being able to work again are huge. Standing chairs make it easier for injured workers to get out into the world and interact with people. They can stand at a counter to pay for something and more easily reach items on grocery store shelves. or at work and engage with friends.  In short, they facilitate confidence and independence.

ATF Medical analyzes the complex rehab technology and adaptive housing options when recommending and developing a cost-effective solution for an injured worker. Standing chairs, for example, can avoid the need for extensive home modifications. There’s no need to lower kitchen cabinets, build pull-out drawers, and install special stoves and other appliances. The new M Corpus VS with its smaller turning radius opens access to tight spaces without major remodels and increases functionality.

ATF Medical focuses on the person’s condition and likely progress when developing a solution for an injured worker. This chair won’t work for everyone, but it will literally change the lives of some.

Why don’t you review your book of claims and let us help you decide which injured workers would benefit from these new features?  If you have questions or just want to know more, please contact David Bedard at dbedard@atfmedical.com.