On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Brendan Sullivan joins me to discuss worker's compensation advocacy. Brendan Sullivan, PT, DPT, OCS, MSCS, CSCS began practicing physical therapy in 1997 after graduating from Utica College of Syracuse University. Dr. Sullivan is an ABPTS Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) & is active in both the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) NY Advisory Committee & New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) Public Policy Committee.

In this episode, we discuss:

-How Brendan became involved in advocacy

-Principles of advocacy: determine the issue, desired outcome, stakeholders, authority and public policy

committee

-What is worker's compensation?

-Changes in the worker's compensation medical fee schedule

-And so much more!

Communicating with policymakers is an art and Brendan recommends, "You want everything to be comfortable and form a nice rapport but you have to get down to business."

With advocacy efforts, there has been an incremental change in the fee schedule, "On average, all regions, there's going to be a 25% increase to the fees that are paid for PT and OT."

While improvements in the fee schedule have been made, Brenden warns, "We don't want to see the potential benefit negated that would come from a fee schedule increase."

Physical therapy is a feasible alternative to other treatments for pain management and the data shows, "Opioids still represent the highest drug spent within the worker's comp system."

For more information on Brendan:

Brendan Sullivan, PT, DPT, OCS, MSCS, CSCS began practicing physical therapy in 1997 after graduating from Utica College of Syracuse University. Dr. Sullivan is an ABPTS Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) & is active in both the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) NY Advisory Committee & New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) Public Policy Committee.

Dr. Sullivan opened a small personal training & wellness center in February 2001. After 2 short years, the business expanded into a more expansive gym where clients and local residents could utilize the facility during the week. His desire was to offer the public a comfortable facility where anyone could work with physical therapists in a setting where they could receive therapeutic services or the consultation of highly skilled fitness professionals.

This blend of physical therapy & fitness services continues to be the driving force in the businesses success. As the public becomes more educated on the benefits of exercise & health maintenance becomes more self-directed the skills offered by physical therapists are self-evident. The centers' mission is to help individuals achieve and maintain their optimal fitness & functional level in the community and with recreational sports or activities. In 2016, he was named the Arthritis Foundation's Medical Honoree for their upstate NY Walk to Cure Arthritis. More recently, Dr. Sullivan became a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) and graduated from Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions with his clinical doctorate.

Resources discussed on this show:

Brendan Sullivan LinkedIn

Brendan Sullivan Website

Brendan Sullivan Twitter

New York Physical Therapy Association

Worker's Compensation Institute

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen