Timed walking tests are valid measurements to predict community walking in patients with Parkinson disease, say authors of an article published online in Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. However, evaluation of community walking also should include an assessment of fear of falling, they add.

For this investigation, researchers used data from baseline assessments in a randomized clinical trial. A total of 153 patients with Parkinson disease were included. Community walking was evaluated using the mobility domain of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Index. Patients who scored 3 points on item 1 ("Did you walk around outside?") and item 5 ("Did you cross roads?") were considered community walkers. Gait speed was measured with the 6-meter or 10-meter timed walking test. Age, gender, marital status, disease duration, disease severity, motor impairment, balance, freezing of gait, fear of falling, previous falls, cognitive function, executive function, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were investigated for their contribution to the multivariate model.

Seventy patients (46%) were classified as community walkers. A gait speed of 0.88 meter per second correctly predicted 70% of patients as community walkers. The multivariate model, including gait speed and fear of falling, correctly predicted 78% of patients as community walkers.

APTA has created 4 additional case scenarios to help physical therapists comply with functional limitation reporting requirements under Medicare. Each scenario includes a description of the patient and data and documentation requirements that physical therapists must meet at the initial evaluation, 10th visit, and discharge. Examples of charge forms for the 3 visits and a summary of reporting also are available for each scenario.

The new scenarios are: multiple sclerosis, establishing a maintenance plan/no function change; diabetic foot ulcer, functional limitations; diabetic foot ulcer, no limitation; and neck pain.

More case scenarios will be posted in the near future.

Functional limitation reporting on claim forms began January 1. A testing period is in effect until July 1. After July 1, claims submitted without the appropriate G-codes and modifiers will be returned unpaid.

APTA is featured in an article titled "Work Out the Kinks in Functional Limitations Reporting Now" that appears in this month's Eli's Rehab Report. Heather Smith, PT, MPH, APTA program director of quality, provides examples of 2 exceptions outlined in transmittal 2622 that require physical therapists to submit additional G-codes to comply with Medicare's functional limitation reporting requirements.    

Share your practical knowledge and cutting-edge ideas at the 2014 APTA Conference and Exposition, June 11-14, 2014, in Charlotte, North Carolina. APTA is seeking submissions focused on effectiveness of care; patient- and client-centered care across the lifespan; professional growth and development, including interprofessional collaboration; and value and accountability.

The submission site opens March 15. The deadline for proposal submissions is July 15. Submissions are encouraged for 90-minute educational sessions and 1-day preconference courses. APTA is especially interested in topics related to:

• Cardiovascular/pulmonary
• chronic disease management
• health and wellness
• innovative collaborative care delivery models
• innovative models of clinical education
• innovative models of practice
• needs of special populations
• older athletes
• orthopedics/manual therapy
• pain management
• rural health

For further information, visit www.apta.org/Conference/Submissions. For questions or to discuss specifics about programming, contact Mary Lynn Billitteri, APTA professional development.

Voting has begun for APTA’s "Fit After 50 Member Challenge" winner. The top 10 finalists featured on APTA's Move Forward consumer website were nominated for their commitment to being fit, active, and mobile at age 50+. Read their stories and vote for 1 physical therapist who you feel best exemplifies the following characteristics:

• Remains fit and active at 50+
• Inspires others in the 50+ age group to do the same
• Serves the 50+ community through activities that enhance function and quality of life
• Promotes the role of the physical therapist to the 50+ community

Encourage your friends, family, community, and colleagues also to vote. Voting is open until April 5. The top 3 winners will receive prizes from APTA and recognition at the APTA Conference and Exposition this June.

APTA's live, online Virtual Career Fair, to be held April 9, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm ET, is a great way for you to engage directly with employers about their current and future physical therapy opportunities.

Physical therapists will find a variety of employment models at this first-ever virtual career event. Looking for a local employment site? Chat 1-on-1 with recruiters from Scott & White Healthcare in Central Texas. If you're interested in multiple regional sites, look for representatives from ATI Physical Therapy (Eastern region) and Providence Health & Services (Western region). National companies, including Life Care Centers, Concentra, and HCR Manor Care, will be available to discuss your background and experience, and their career opportunities.   

Space is limited for this event, so register today.    

The Foundation for Physical Therapy recently presented its 2013 Service Awards to 5 individuals and 2 organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the Foundation and advancing its mission to fund physical therapy research.

This year's recipients are:

• APTA, Premier Partner in Research Award
• Wisconsin Chapter, Innovation in Fundraising Award
• Daniel Riddle, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Charles M. Magistro Distinguished Service Award
• Jayne Snyder, PT, DPT, MA, FAPTA (posthumously), Spirit of Philanthropy Award
• Patricia Traynor, PT, Robert C. Bartlett Trustee Recognition Service Award
• Philip Vierling, MBA, Robert C. Bartlett Trustee Recognition Service Award
• Charles T. Wetherington, Robert C. Bartlett Trustee Recognition Service Award

Learn more about the awards and the recipients in the Foundation's press release.