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Therapist Turns to Telehealth, Other Options

April 25, 2020 | Industry News
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Ed Salata has seen his hands-on profession become mostly hands-off.

But Salata, a physical therapist and facility director of Phoenix Physical Therapy, said his Neshannock Township business has adapted to the changes brought about because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Noting that physical therapy is considered essential, Salata said Phoenix continues to offer traditional appointments as well as in-home and telehealth options.

Edward Salata, PT, MPT
Facility Director / Physical Therapist

“The No. 1 thing is that we’re still open, and we have ways to deliver care to help our clients whether it be to alleviate pain, or strengthen after an injury,” said Salata who estimates that about 50 percent of his patients chose to come to the Enclave Drive facility for traditional appointments.

At Phoenix, only one client is scheduled at a time to allow for social distancing and the cleaning of equipment between patients and all clinic staff is outfitted with masks, gloves and gowns.

“We abide by all (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines,” Salata said.

About 30 percent of Salata’s customers opt for in-home visits from the properly attired therapy staff.

Explaining that clients are screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors before staff enters the home, Salata said therapists are able to bring some equipment with them.

“Anything we take in, we clean. If it can’t be cleaned, it’s thrown away,” he said.

The remaining 20 percent of Phoenix clients select telehealth care via a computer, tablet or smart phone.

“It’s really exciting to be able to embrace technology and offer our services virtually,” Salata said. “We’re not exposing them, but they can still get the care they need.”

Salata noted that all of the healthcare delivery systems can be used by new or existing patients.

“With telehealth we have to depend more on the individual on the other end,” he said. “For example if it’s a knee problem, we look at their movement patterns and ask them to squat, step or get out of a chair to see where there’s instability or pain.

“It’s not ideal and it’s not the same as therapy in the clinic, but we’re still able to do something and keep everyone safe,” continued Salata, adding that insurance copays and deductibles have been waved for telehealth services.

rgendreau@ncnewsonline.com

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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