National therapy network engages lobbying firm


(Calabasas, Calif. – July 10, 2006) – PTPN, the country’s first and largest network of independent rehabilitation therapists, has selected Connolly Strategies & Initiatives to represent the needs and interests of its member therapists on Capitol Hill.

As part of an ongoing effort to advocate for the private practice physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists that make up its network, PTPN is increasing its commitment to political action and education by engaging Connolly Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based health policy and advocacy firm.

“We’ve always been active in legislative and regulatory issues,” said PTPN President Michael Weinper, MPH, PT, “and this initiative represents the growing importance of having a stronger voice for PTPN providers in Washington.”

The priorities for the new advocacy effort include:

• Identifying key political and regulatory issues affecting PTPN providers, such as value-based purchasing (pay-for-performance) and developments in Medicare policy including reimbursement.
• Educating policymakers about PTPN and important issues in rehabilitation, such as the adverse consequences of “referral for profit” and the research documenting the advantages of care provided by independent private practice therapists.
• Educating PTPN providers about the policymaking process and how to best influence that process.
• Exploring opportunities for PTPN providers to participate in the development and demonstration of private sector solutions and advances in care delivery and reimbursement.

Weinper said that Connolly Strategies President Jerry Connolly, PT, CAE, is uniquely qualified to lead this effort for PTPN because of his experience as a physical therapist. “Jerry has been active in the physical therapy profession, as a provider, an executive and an advocate, for 30 years. He’s keenly aware of the issues that matter most to private therapists. Moreover, Connolly is well-connected and well-respected, and he knows how Washington works.”

Connolly believes PTPN is uniquely positioned to make an impact on decision makers. “PTPN is the largest and most sophisticated network of its kind, and I have no doubt that will lead to many opportunities to be at the forefront of the key decisions and innovations coming out of Washington,” he said.

About PTPN:PTPN is the nation’s first and largest network of rehabilitation therapists in private practice. It has led the rehabilitation industry in pioneering national contracting and quality assurance programs since 1985. The network has more than 1,300 provider offices (including physical, occupational and speech therapists) in 23 states. PTPN contracts with most major managed care organizations including insurers, workers’ compensation companies, PPOs, HMOs, medical groups, and IPAs. Only offices that are owned and operated by rehabilitation therapists can be members of the network. For more information about PTPN, contact Stephen Moore at (818) 737-0246 or smoore@ptpn.com, or visit PTPN on the Internet at: ptpn.com.

About Connolly Strategies & Initiatives: Connolly Strategies & Initiatives (CSI) is a Washington, D.C.-based policy and advocacy firm experienced in lobbying, strategic planning and association (non-profit) management. The principal and founder of CSI, Jerry Connolly, a physical therapist and registered lobbyist, was a practicing physical therapist before moving to Washington to enter the world of health policy and association management. Connolly has extensive policy expertise in the regulatory and legislative arenas and owned and operated his own physical therapy business in Billings, Mont., for nearly 20 years. For more information about CSI, contact Jerry Connolly at (703) 307-5363 or jerry@connollystrategies.com, or visit connollystrategies.com.