News

Getting Injured Workers Back on Their Feet

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022

Losing the ability to stand is one of the hardest adjustments a severely injured worker ever makes.

Humans are designed to stand and take the pressure of our weight on our feet. If sitting is the new smoking and bad for sedentary workers, imagine how bad it is for someone confined to a wheelchair. Sitting for 12-14 hours a day causes hamstrings to tighten and muscles to contract. And limited activity can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Standing is good for bone density, circulation, digestion, bladder, and bowels among other things. It’s one of the best pressure release techniques for preventing pressure injuries (wounds).

Standing brings psychological benefits as well. With a standing wheelchair, an injured woman can literally look someone in the eye and more easily interact with friends, family, and colleagues. And, whether it’s standing at a bar or a urinal, standing makes a man feel more like a man.

In addition, many patients can perform more activities of daily living when they can stand. Confidence, independence, and functionality are some benefits.

Cost tends to be the barrier to standing wheelchairs. Understandably, payers flinch at a $65,000+ price tag for a standing chair, but these chairs can avoid other significant costs:

Home modifications. There’s no need to renovate the kitchen if the worker can reach the cabinets.
Pressure injury treatment. (A hospital visit can run $100,000 or more.)
Medical treatment for complications, like urinary tract infections, osteoporosis, and digestive disorders.
Home health care workers.

Standing chairs facilitate return to work & productivity

ATF Medical worked with a police officer who was badly shot and confined to a wheelchair. He eventually returned to work in a desk job. Since he couldn’t reach some of the files, the police department hired someone to help him. After going through a standing program (see Essentials for a Successful Standing Program) and receiving a standing wheelchair, he could handle all his duties without an assistant. The department reassigned the helper, and the officer regained pride in his ability fully contribute to fighting crime.

Workers’ comp care should restore a worker to their pre-injury condition as much as possible. Not only do standing programs help do that, but they also provide major health benefits. It’s an investment, but it’s an investment in the workers’ overall physical and mental wellbeing and can contain other claim costs.

It’s worth examining claims for workers who could qualify for a standing program. I’m happy to answer questions about the equipment and our OTs and ATPs can evaluate patients, guide them to the most appropriate standing program, and help find the right equipment for them. Contact Rick Wyche, rwyche@atfmedical.com, 202-850-0561.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Permobil

WorkersCompensation.com Article on Pressure Injuries Highlights ATF Medical’s PIPI Program

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022

This informative article by WorkersCompensation.com’s Nancy Grover quotes ATF Medical’s Director of Rehab Technology Edwina Murphy, OT, ATP. The story probes the complications and costs of treating wounds/pressure injuries, explaining that communication and knowledge gaps among the different providers contribute to the development of pressure injuries.

“There is a large body of information, from credible nursing, rehabilitation and equipment manufacturers about pressure injuries, but it is not all in one place and not customized to the individual and circulated to all the providers who need it,” Edwina explains.

ATF Medical’s Pressure Injury and Intervention (PIPI) program was created to do just this. It consolidates patient-centric data and intervention protocols and communicates this information to all the caregivers who touch that injured worker.

The program also educates the injured worker and their family, using a pressure map to detect hot spots and showing them how to relieve pressure to prevent wounds. That is as simple as adjusting a seating position every 20 minutes in some cases.

PIPI’s goal is early identification of high-risk patients and ensuring that all their providers have the tools they need to help prevent painful wounds and avoid expensive treatment.

Take a moment to read Pressure Injuries Still a Problem for Injured Workers (free subscription required) and review your organization’s pressure injury program. Are there preventable wounds? Are there communication issues? Looking for a cost-effective solution? Check out our PIPI program by emailing Edwina Murphy, emurphy@atfmedical.com.

Prevent Pressure Injuries with ATF Medical’s new PIPI Solution

Wednesday, February 16th, 2022

Pressure mapping helps ATF Medical identify potential pressure injuries. The hot (red) colors on the left show the pressure is unevenly distributed in the current seated position, making it likely an injured worker will develop pressure-related injuries. The cool (blue) colors on the right show the pressure being evenly distributed. (Image provided by Vista Medical.)

Pressure injuries–sometimes called bed sores or wounds–can be painful and dangerous, causing hospitalizations and even death in severe cases. Injured workers who use wheelchairs or are confined to beds are at high risk for developing them. Sitting or lying in the same position too long, medical equipment that isn’t fitted or used properly, certain clothing, and the wrong seat cushions and poor mattresses can cause them.

ATF Medical’s Director of Rehab Technology Edwina Murphy, OT, ATP has designed a program to prevent pressure injuries and to recommend interventions.

Our Pressure Injury Prevention and Intervention (PIPI) program analyzes clients’ claims to identify workers who are at risk for developing pressure injuries and recommends ways to prevent them. Pressure mapping helps occupational therapists and assisted technology professionals to zone in on the areas that need adjustment.

“Pressure maps are excellent educational tools, too,” Edwina said. “When a patient sees how a movement or adjustment can change the map colors, they’re much more likely to comply with pressure relief techniques.”

The PIPI program consolidates prevention protocols that apply to a specific injured worker and shares this information with all the providers and claims representatives involved on a claim. “There’s a great deal of clinical knowledge and research about pressure injuries, but it’s not all in one place and it’s not tailored to a specific person,” she said.

The home health nurse and adjuster may know that an injury is developing, but the treating physician, durable medical equipment technician, and in-home physical therapist may be unaware. “Communication, collaboration and accountability are key to ensuring the worker receives the right preventative care or intervention,” Edwina said.

See this news release describing the program and contact Edwina Murphy, emurphy@atfmedical.com, to learn more about PIPI and sign up for it.

Related posts: https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20220131/NEWS08/912347583/ATF-Medical-launches-prevention,-management-program-for-wound-injuries

Welcoming ATF Medical’s Newest Rehab Coordinator, Elisa Piech

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

Joining ATF Medical felt like “coming full circle” to Elisa Piech. She started her workers’ comp career 13 years ago with Total Medical Solutions (TMS), where she worked with Erin Zablocki, now our Executive Director of Rehab Technology. TMS was acquired by MSC, which was later acquired by One Call Care Management, and Elisa moved along with the changes and challenges.

Now, she says, “It’s great to work with Erin again and be part of ATF Medical. It feels like family. The people have the same caring mentality as we did at TMS.”

Yes, workers’ compensation is a small world with strong connections.

Elisa is a Rehab Coordinator II who mainly works on the patient/injured worker side of the spectrum. Her first step is to contact the injured workers and verify information, like height, weight, physical location.

“We want to get as much background upfront so we can provide the most appropriate devices,” she said.

Just as important, reaching out like this lets injured workers know someone cares and that they have someone to contact with their questions. “We’re not just some call center staffed by automatons,” Elisa stressed. “We talk to patients and take time with them and help them understand what’s happening with their medical supplies and equipment.”

She also arranges for an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or Occupational Therapist (OT) to conduct a thorough evaluation when the case is complex. “So many patients need highly specialized equipment,” she said. “If one spec on a powerchair is off, it can throw off everything. ATPs and OTs make sure that the tilt or recline feature–whatever it is–is tailored for that particular person with that specific injury.”

After gathering information from ATPs, OTs and their evaluations, Elisa prepares a quote with a narrative that explains why certain equipment has been recommended. Communicating regularly with adjusters, nurse case managers, and equipment manufacturers, she obtains approval from TPAs and carriers and ensures the ordering, delivery, and fitting of equipment goes smoothly.

The key to success in this position, Elisa says, is to let the injured worker know that you care. When asked what she enjoyed most about her job, Elisa was quick to answer, “Helping people. And here I can.”

Please welcome Elisa to ATF Medical by emailing her at epiech@atfmedical.com.

ATF Medical Is More Passion Than Career for Rick Wyche

Thursday, January 27th, 2022

In case you’re wondering if ATF Medical supports upward mobility among its employees, the answer is YES! Rick Wyche has been promoted to Executive Director of Sales, Marketing & Business Development.

Rick joined the company as an intern while still in college, checking insurance benefits and performing basic customer service. Over the years he’s held a number of roles, from cold-calling prospects to evaluating seriously injured workers for sophisticated medical equipment.

Along the way, he received Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) credentials. Now part of the company’s senior leadership team, Rick is ATF Medical’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing & Business Development.

“ATF Medical gave me the opportunity to grow within the same organization,” Rick said, whose degree from George Mason University is in Conflict Resolution.

He said that Sid (Glover) is a great mentor who really took the time to show him what he needed to know.

“This work is never boring and it’s always challenging,” Rick said. “Each injured worker is unique and has specialized equipment and adaptive housing needs. Manufacturers come out with new features every year. There is always something to learn and there is always room to grow.”

Most rewarding to Rick is the ability to dramatically improve an injured person’s life. “We help some people who cannot get outside or even out of their beds. It’s incredible to watch them return to their lives, partly through our equipment and home modifications. Seeing them move around safely and independently and enjoy life more means everything.”

Haley Mundt Finds Her Place at ATF Medical

Monday, January 17th, 2022

Haley Mundt recently joined ATF Medical as a Rehab Coordinator, collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and ATF Medical’s Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) to help injured workers receive the medical equipment they need. Haley, who graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in biology, has worked in the durable medical equipment industry for over four years.

In her previous job as a manager for an Ohio distributor of durable medical equipment and orthotics and prosthetic devices, Haley streamlined internal processes to improve outcomes. She was happy to see that ATF Medical already had systems in place along with a shared commitment to delivering equipment to injured workers as soon as possible.

Frequently working to fulfill mobility needs, she observed that workers with recent, complex injuries are not at the greatest points in their lives. In the beginning, injured workers are struggling, unhappy, and unable to manage activities of daily living. ATF Medical helps them transition from this difficult starting point to a place where they are mobile and happier.

Right now, she’s helping a woman replace a broken wheelchair. “We’re working as fast as we can to get her a new power chair so she can get out of the house, go to the park and do her grocery shopping,” Haley said. “Being able to help someone get from that low point to where they can get around is life-changing,” said Haley. “I’m passionate about helping a patient get to the end result. “It is so exciting to see the impact the right equipment has on a person’s life.”

And she’s not alone in her desire to help ATF Medical’s workers’ compensation patients. “Every day I reach out to different people for contacts at manufacturers, to get recommendations–all kinds of things. People here are willing to help – the ATPs, my supervisor, technicians – they’re all ready to jump on a call to educate a patient or explain something to an insurance company.”

The swift response to her questions was a bit surprising. Haley wasn’t sure that she could get answers right away since everyone works remotely, but she said, “There is great teamwork.”

If you haven’t had a chance to work with Haley yet, hopefully, she’ll help with one of your cases soon. Meanwhile, shoot her an email at hmundt@atfmedical.com and say hello.

Talking to Tanya, ATF Medical’s New Support Coordinator

Wednesday, December 15th, 2021

Tanya Smith is our very new Support Coordinator in Rehab Technology who joined ATF Medical in early November 2021. You may have worked with her when sending over a referral for a mobility solution. She helps process orders, track down parts, and coordinate virtual and in-home technician appointments. And, most important, Tanya makes sure our patients get to the right people for the answers to their questions.

While she has held relevant administrative and customer service positions over the past decade, this is the first time Tanya has worked from home. Assisting our Rehab Technology coordinators, claims representatives, and especially our patients has opened her eyes and heart to the challenges faced by workers coping with complex injuries. Switching out a cushion, adjusting a seat, or obtaining a different lift–not to mention understanding and empathy–can change their lives.

Most recently, Tanya was an administrative assistant with Community Connections in Tennessee. Among her duties was serving as a liaison with the state’s Department of Intellectual Disabilities. She assisted case managers with patient requests and compiled and prepared data reports while also researching, purchasing, and managing the deliveries of various products. Not so different than what she does here, right?

With her strong organizational skills and an excellent attention to detail, Tanya has also been a Customer Experience Specialist and a Logistics Coordinator, perfect experience for her new role with ATF Medical. Join us in welcoming Tanya as a new member of our ATF Medical family, by emailing tsmith@atfmedical.com.

US Senator Bob Dole – Champion of the ADA

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

ATF Medical honors the life of US Senator Bob Dole, the man who was so instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. From his first Senate floor speech in 1969 until the ADA was signed in 1990, this World War II hero, who was badly wounded and knew firsthand what it was like to not be able to be fully functional, fought for the rights of people with disabilities. One of the country’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislations, the ADA banned discrimination based on disability in all parts of public right, guaranteeing the people with disabilities could no longer be denied access to jobs, schools and transportation. Read more here.

Kevin Wallace, the Wheelchair Guy for Wilson High’s Special Olympics

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021

It comes as no surprise that ATF Medical’s employees are giving, caring people or that the company gives them each a paid volunteer day each year. Even before joining the company five years ago, Rehab Specialist Kevin Wallace, ATP, CRTS, threw himself into the Berks County, Pennsylvania Special Olympics.

Known there as “the wheelchair guy,” Kevin totes his tools and programmer to the event every year and adjusts wheel locks, walkers, and seats for attendees. He and his wife Kim have volunteered at the event for 20 years, to support the event and their son Connor, who has Down’s Syndrome.

“We used to bring all the area schools together for the event, but it got so large that it became too much for the kids with autism,” Kevin said, “So, now each school hosts their own and this one was held in May at my alma mater, Wilson High School.”

The event kicked off with one of the students singing the National Anthem, followed by the creed Creed for Special Olympics, which is “Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” After a parade around the track, the games began. Softball toss. Wheelchair races. Running races. Long jumps. Bicycle Races.

Connor Wallace won the wheelchair race. His dad barely had time to cheer him on since he was inundated requests for wheelchair adjustments and tune-ups. Kevin worked in children’s pediatrics for 20 years before joining ATF Medical and has known some of the kids and their families for 30 years. He has a degree in Rehabilitative Science and a background in sports medicine.

“The Special Olympics is a fun and emotional day for all the kids and families—for everyone concerned,” he said. “Working with these athletes, injured workers, and others who have disabilities reminds me that everybody has challenges,” he said. “It’s what you do with them that makes the difference.”

Complex Medical Equipment is Not a Commodity

Monday, May 17th, 2021

This post was written by Rick Wyche, ATF Medical’s Senior Director of Business Development

Joe Paduda’s blog post on buying workers’ compensation services was dead-on. If you missed it, please take a minute to read it. Paduda discussed the fact that some people tend to look at a lot of services as commodities – and acknowledged that some of them are. He cited pharmacy benefit management (PBMs) as an example, mentioning that the larger PBMs have bigger buying power.

“In contrast, think clinically oriented services, those delivered to high-need patients, e.g., powered wheelchairs.”

Now he was singing my song!

“What matters is NOT the buying power of the supplier, but it’s the customer-centricity, depth of knowledge, flexibility, and adaptability. The power wheelchair has to be the right weight, carrying capacity, have the right functionality, fit through the right width and height, and meet the user’s functional restrictions,” Paduda continued.

I covered this topic in detail in WorkCompWire. Specialized equipment for workers with complex injuries is a high-touch prospect. Whether the company is large or small, its people need long-term, deep relationships with manufacturers, lots of education, and to stay current with the latest trends and technologies. Most important, the company has to deliver amazing service to injured workers and to workers’ comp payers.

ATF Medical’s professionals conduct clinical evaluations and leverage our in-depth product knowledge and experience when recommending the precise equipment and components for your injured worker. Considerations include:
• Current medical status and expected changes
• The living space
• Available and upcoming technologies and products
• Transportation needs
• Nursing care arrangements
• Family/support system

We have all kinds of certified specialists on staff: occupational therapists, assistive technology professionals, rehab technology specialists, environmental access consultants, durable medical equipment specialists, and home modification experts. Depending on the diagnoses, we build a team to create a unique solution for your injured worker.

And, I know everyone says “unique solution,” but there is no other way to adequately describe it. There are so many components, people, and perspectives that go into an ATF Medical recommendation. It’s not a product or a single service. It truly is a solution.

We order everything for you, handle all the deliveries and set up and oversee any renovations. There’s no deliver and drop. We make sure injured workers are fitted properly and they and their families understand how complicated equipment works and who to call with questions. We check in with them and monitor injured workers’ progress, suggest changes. We repair and maintain equipment – and we keep the adjusters, case managers, and other claims reps informed every step of the way.

Same thing with adaptive housing services. Everything is customized to the needs of a particular worker’s condition and living space and designed to work efficiently and cost effectively with their medical equipment. We’re all about increasing their quality of life and without wasting your money.

Complex injuries call for complex solutions. When that’s what you need, call 877-880-4283 or ask your home health company, TPA, or insurance company to ask for us.

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