APTA Nebraska's Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) executive board shares their journeys to leadership and why professional engagement matters for PT students and new graduates.

• Student leaders from NSSIG discuss their paths to executive board positions
• Service backgrounds range from extensive leadership experience to first-time involvement
• Board members emphasize that professional service creates valuable networking opportunities across PT/PTA programs
• NSSIG organizes the annual Conclave and biennial National Advocacy Dinner
• Students plan to maintain APTA membership after graduation for advocacy opportunities, professional development, and resources
• Membership benefits like discounts on shoes, hotels and professional resources provide additional value
• Board members encourage hesitant students to get involved, emphasizing that NSSIG can adapt to students' interests and time limitations
• Professional engagement helps students prepare for advocacy throughout their careers

Reach out to the NSSIG board about upcoming events or to provide feedback on what you'd like to see from your student organization!

APTA Nebraska launches its new podcast to connect physical therapists across the state with updates on advocacy, practice challenges, and member benefits. Brad Dexter and APTA Nebraska President Nick Weber discuss critical issues affecting physical therapists and share resources to help members stay informed and engaged.

• Medicare's 2.8% fee schedule reduction continues despite advocacy efforts, with Congress failing to address it in the recent continuing resolution
• TRICARE providers face significant challenges with obtaining referrals and payments since TriWest became the new contractor
• CMS changed requirements for caregiver training codes (97550/97551), now requiring the full time to be furnished before billing
• Two priority bills in the Nebraska legislature: LB77 for prior authorization transparency and LB527 for increased Medicaid reimbursement
• PT demand projected to exceed supply for the next 12 years according to recent PTJ research
• The Academy of Neurological PT will hold their annual conference in Omaha this October
• APTA members can access discounts on travel, entertainment, and even laundry services through membership benefits

Stay connected with APTA Nebraska for more conversations that elevate our profession and improve the lives of Nebraskans. Subscribe, share, and join the discussion as we drive the future of physical therapy forward together.

Links:

APTA Practice Advisory: CPT Codes for Caregiver Training Without the Patient Present: https://www.apta.org/your-practice/payment/medicare-payment/cpt-codes-caregiver-training-without-patient-present-practice-advisory?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=250319-APTA-Weekly&_zs=pS2ll1&_zl=SX08A

TRICARE WEST REGION REFERRAL WAIVER APPROVAL LETTER: https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/tricare-west-region-referral-waiver-approval-letter.pdf 

Poplin Laundry Services: https://www.poplin.co  

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