DESCRIPTION
13 Contact Hour Course
This is an introductory level course designed for the therapist who wants to develop foundational knowledge and treatment skills for working with children with Sensory Processing Disorders. The course provides essential, practical information which will enhance your ability to provide intensive, goal-directed and effective therapy to children with sensory challenges.
The initial lessons focus on understanding basic terms and theories behind sensory integrative treatment. Because an understanding of normal development is necessary to be able to identify atypical development, lessons on normal child development and development of central nervous system functions are included. Specific sensory systems, and their interrelationship to each other, are discussed in depth.
Lessons then move quickly into a practical understanding of – and the differences among – various types of sensory processing disorders based on presenting symptoms. Evaluation tools are described, and clinical observations to supplement standardized evaluation tools are described and demonstrated.
Finally, topics such as dealing with behavior, home programs, and issues related to reimbursement bring this course full-circle from identification of the child with sensory processing issues, to discharge from therapy.
COURSE GOAL
To provide essential, practical information which will enhance your ability to provide intensive, goal-directed and effective therapy to children with sensory challenges.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
ACCREDITATIONS
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 1.3 CEU, Introductory Level, Domain of OT: Areas of Occupation, Performance Skills, Client Factors. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for 1.3 CEU
NBCOT 16.25 PDU (course includes assessment component)
This program is offered for 1.3 CEU (Introductory level, Professional area).
State of Illinois Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor License No: 216.000127
Dynamic Learning Online is approved by New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions as a sponsor of Continuing Education for Physical Therapists & Physical Therapy Assistants
Dynamic Learning Online is a Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TPTA) Accredited Provider. The assignment of Texas PT CCU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.
This course is also approved by the:
Author and Instructor
Debra (Debbie) J. Denniger-Bryant, OTD, OTR/L has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapy consultant, diagnostician and hands-on therapist working in a variety of settings, including schools, out-patient clinics, home-based early intervention, pediatric nursing facilities and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Debbie is NDT certified and certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests.
She is the founder and former owner of Rainbow Center, located in Aurora, Illinois, and is currently the Director of Pediatric Therapy for Sovereign Rehabilitation and the Clinic Director of Sovereign Pediatric Therapy in Naperville, IL. She has a reputation for growing pediatric therapy clinics by focusing on providing highly effective, quality therapy and by empowering and providing therapists, parents and children with the tools needed to promote and achieve maximum function and physical well-being.
Debbie conducts workshops nationally for therapists on the topic of Sensory Processing Disorders.
Author Disclosure
Debra J. Denniger, OTD, OTR/L, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Sensory Intergration: Its Effect on Learning, Behavior and Motor Control, receives royalty payments.
Non-financial - No relevant non-financial relationship exists.
Teaching MethodS
Teaching methods:
A multi-sensory approach is used to enhance learning for the course participant:
10 Contact Hours
This interactive course was designed for the intermediate level therapist who works with the geriatric population.
The learner will be provided with valuable information about the dementia disease process. Essentials regarding how dementia dramatically affects function, ability to participate in and benefit from therapy programs,as well as practical approaches to achieve a “best therapy practice”. Strategies to meet Medicare reimbursement requirements including proper coding will be discussed. We will also explore some of the current trends and advances in dementia care and the legislative issues involving Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Finally, the course will provide the participant with a thorough foundation of the vital importance of cognitive assessment and treatment and the many opportunities that currently exist to creatively serve this population in various geriatric arenas.
Learners who take this course will gain a tremendous understanding of all aspects of Dementia and the many ways the disease process impacts functions of daily living skills and communication.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to :
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 1.0 CEU, Intermediate Level, Domain of OT: Areas of Occupation, Client Factors; Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for 1.0 CEUs
NBCOT 12.5 PDU
This program is offered for 1.0 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Approved for 1 CEU (10 contact hours) by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers.
Dynamic Learning Online is a Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TPTA) Accredited Provider. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.
Author and Instructor*
Linda Riccio, OTR, a 28-year veteran of long-term care operations and clinical/programmatic development, has a BS in Occupational Therapy and has been a national educator in neurological disorders, orthopedics, and the management of special care populations. She has a diverse skill set in clinical development and implementation resulting in fiscally responsible and meaningful programs.
Linda is currently a member of Creative Health Solutions, where she consults in healthcare strategy and teaches dementia management in post acute care settings nationwide.
* This course originally authored by Kim Warchol, OTR/L, was revised and updated by Linda Riccio, OTR.
Linda Riccio, OTR, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Current Trends and Treatment in Dementia Management, receives royalty payments.
Teaching methods include: Course content delivered in a text format, pictures, activities, video clips of patients at various stages of dementia care, live web links, class discussion board and email to instructor. Midterm and Final exams are of equal weight, and there is a required passing score of 80%.
This course includes video clips to accompany the course materials. The ability to watch the videoclips is not required to complete the course.
3 Contact Hour Course
Cervical Auscultation has become recognized as a useful tool in dysphagia evaluation and treatment.
This course outlines the basic principles of both chest and cervical auscultation for practicing Dysphagia Therapists who would like to add this technique to his/her cache of clinical tools. A brief literature review is followed by instruction in cervical auscultation with interpretation and documentation of swallow acoustics.
This advanced-level course includes easy-to-read background, research and practice guidelines. Case study examples are provided to facilitate the application of the lecture information.
Topics include: normal vs. abnormal respiratory function, description of respiratory acoustics, common respiratory illnesses of the elderly, cervical acoustics during swallowing, and tips for documentation.
The participant will increase knowledge of chest and cervical auscultation as a tool for evaluation and treatment of dysphagia in the geriatric dysphagia patient.
Upon completion of this course, the Learner will be able to:
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.3 CEU, Advanced Level, 1st Content Focus – Domain of OT: Client Factors; 2nd Content Focus – Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation; 3rd Content Focus – Occupational Therapy Process: Intervention. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .3 CEU
NBCOT 3.75 PDU (course includes assessment component)
This course is offered for 0.3 ASHA CEU (Advanced level, Professional area).
In accordance with Title16, California Code of Regulations section 4154, the California Board of Occupational Therapy has approved this course and instructor for post-professional education in the advanced practice area of swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention.
AUTHOR AND INSTRUCTOR
Brenda K. Logsdon, M.A. CCC/SLP received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Kent State University in 1989. She is an experienced and competent clinician who has interacted with clients from age 2 through 100+ years who have a wide variety of primary communication and medical disorders including: dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria and apraxia, hearing loss, CVA, TBI, and dementia.
She has researched and developed multiple in-service and continuing education programs to audiences of up to 200 nurses, therapists, case managers, administrators, dietitians, and nurses aids, as well as demonstrating delivery of high quality project management under diverse criteria due to multiple providers, positions, or customers. Ms. Logsdon has experience in editing national journals, understands and can apply research techniques as well as translate research data into consumer-friendly format.
Her knowledge in common medical conditions and pharmacological treatment of geriatric and pediatric patients adds to the value of her expertise.
Brenda K. Logsdon, M.A., CCC/SLP, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Practical Application of Cervical Auscultation, receives royalty payments.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Methods include: This course utilizes instructor lecture in text-based format, live web links, discussion board participation, instructor/class e-mail, pictures, graphics, references and resources. There are six (6) brief practical application assignments (on live patients) that are required within this course, as well as a Final Exam.
Tube feedings are being placed in the elderly at an ever-increasing rate without clear evidence of potential benefit to the patient.
This advanced level course provides a research review of outcomes of tube feedings in the elderly and chronically ill, and the risks involved with oral vs. non-oral nutrition.
It is of interest to Dysphagia Therapists, Social Service Workers, Nurses, Dietitians, and anyone who assists with nutritional decision-making.
Participants will be able to make appropriate recommendations and assist with decision making based on documented benefits and contraindications of tube feeding.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.3 CEU, Advanced Level, Domain of OT: Performance Skills. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
In accordance with Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 4154, the California Board of Occupational Therapy has approved this course and instructor for post-professional education in the advanced practice area of swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention.
Financial - Author for Tube Feeding in the Elderly - Applying Documented Outcomes to the Decision-Making Process, receives royalty payments.
Teaching Methods include: This reader-friendly text has live web links to up-to-date sites, a useful reference list, practical activities, and a final exam with an 80% minimum passing requirement.
The practice of restricting fluids to aspirating patients frequently has adverse outcomes including non-compliance, dehydration, and continued complaints of thirst. These problems may be reduced if free, unthickened water is allowed within an organized program.
This 3 contact hour course covers the rationale and procedure for using free water as a therapeutic tool, for developing an “in-house” program, and selecting appropriate participants.
This course is for intermediate, practicing dysphagia therapists who need greater understanding of the literature related to aspiration-related illnesses and guidelines for advanced clinical application of dietary modifications.
The Participant will become familiar with and be able to apply the principles behind a Free Water Program.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.3 CEU, Intermediate Level, Domain of OT: Performance Skills. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
NBCOT 3.75 PDU
This program is offered for 0.3 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Financial - Author for Free Water Programs for Geriatric Dysphagia Management, receives royalty payments.
5 Contact Hours
Esophageal disorders may significantly impact the comfort, safety and nutritional status of the elderly nursing home resident.
It is important for the Dysphagia Therapist to be able to differentiate symptoms of esophageal dysfunction from other problems that interfere with eating.
This course, intended for intermediate learners, is designed as an overview of the diagnoses, assessment procedures and treatment options for esophageal dysphagia.
The Participant will become familiar with symptoms and treatment techniques for Esophageal Dysphagia.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.5 CEUs, Intermediate Level, Domain of OT: Client Factors; Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .5 CEUs
NBCOT 6.25 PDU
This program is offered for 0.5 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Financial - Author for Esophageal Dysphagia -- The Dysphagia Therapists Role in Identification and Treatment, receives royalty payments.
Teaching Methods include: This reader-friendly text has live web links to up-to-date sites, a useful reference list, glossary, practical activities with discussion board participation, and a final exam with an 80% minimum passing requirement.
2 Contact Hours
Are you the Rehab Manager who does not know enough about your Dysphagia Program? Have you been trying to find a competent therapist, but don’t know where to look?
This course is designed to benefit the new or experienced Manager, Recruiter or Program Development Coordinator who needs to know the “ins-and-outs” of Dysphagia care.
This course offers ways to promote and obtain reimbursement for your facility’s dining program. Additionally, you will confidently understand what the Advanced-Level Dysphagia Therapist looks for when choosing an employment setting. Finally, you will know how to nurture the Entry-Level Therapists you already have.
The content is Intermediate for PT, OT and SLP clinicians, as it assumes a general familiarity with Medicare in Skilled Nursing Facilities, the MDS, PPS, and pricipals of geriatric rehabilitation. The focus is on increased understanding and application by the participant.
The participant will acquire knowledge for fostering competence in the Dysphagia Therapist, as well as implementing and promoting a dysphagia care program in the Long Term Care setting.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.2 CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Issues: Administration & Management and Professional Issues: Supervision. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .2 CEUs
NBCOT 2.5 PDU
This program is offered for 0.2 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Financial - Author for Dysphagia Programs -- What the Rehab Manager Needs to Know, receives royalty payments.
The Medical Doctor is ultimately responsible for obtaining written informed consent, but allied health professionals, including the Dysphagia Therapist, are expected to provide specialized counseling.
Many therapists feel unprepared for this task. How much information is enough? When is the Patient a rehab candidate? What if the Patient refuses traditional recommendations? Basic legal concepts including the elements of informed consent are covered in this course.
Specific instruction is given to the dysphagia therapist so that realistic options for rehabilitation or palliative care are offered as indicated by a thorough analysis of risks and benefits.
Course Level: Intermediate – Participant should have previous knowledge and experience with dysphagia management, especially with elders in long term care settings.
Participants will be able to use the elements of informed consent to counsel elderly dysphagia patients. Participants will also learn that offering realistic palliative vs. rehabilitative goals will aid patients in decision-making.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.3 CEU, Intermediate; Category 1, Domain of OT, Activities of Daily Living. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This program is offered for 0.3 CEU, (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Financial - Author for Informed Consent for the Dysphagia Patient in Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, receives royalty payments.
7 Contact Hours
Please note that this course is intended for Speech-Language Pathology professionals only.
The need for dysphagia therapists continues to rise, despite the sweeping changes in Medicare reimbursement of recent years. Speech Language Pathologists with limited training and expertise are finding themselves in demand to provide these services in areas where more experienced therapists are unavailable.
This Introductory Level course includes time-sensitive core materials that establish the foundations for dysphagia therapy in LTC. Case study examples are provided to facilitate the acquisition of care process essentials. Topics include: normal vs. abnormal swallowing physiology, screening, evaluation and treatment techniques. Medicare codes and documentation guidelines are reviewed, as well as examples of plan of care goals and functional maintenance programs.
Please note: Text books listed are reference materials only. Purchasing them is not a requirement for this online course.
The new dysphagia clinician will gain an increased confidence in basic level evaluation techniques, treatment options and care planning outlines for management of the geriatric dysphagia patient.
This program is offered for 0.7 CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area).
Teaching Methods include: Course content delivered in a text format, graphics, pictures, activities and live web links, as well as a discussion board and email to instructor. Three exams and several required assignments make up a combined accumulated score and require a minimum passing score of 80%.
Financial - Author for Dysphagia Management in Long Term Care -- The Essentials for the New Dysphagia Therapist, receives royalty payments.
Recommended Texts
Title: Oral Motor & Sensory Treatment Prescription Kit Author: Gayle Burditt At: www.alimed.com Bookstore: AliMed, Inc. 297 High St. Dedham, MA 02026 1-800-225-2610
Title: Dysphagia: Diagnosis and Management Author: M Groher At: www.amazon.com
Title: Merck Manual of Geriatrics Author: Abrams & Berkow At: www.amazon.com
Title: Clinical Evaluation of Dysphagia Author: LR Cherney, CA Catieri, JJ Pannell At: www.aspenpublishers.com Bookstore: Aspen Publishers, Inc. 200 Orchard Ridge Dr. Gaithersburg, MD 301-417-7500
Title: Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders Author: Jerilyn Logemann At: www.proedinc.com: Bookstore: Pro-Ed Publishing 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd. Austin, Texas 78757 1-800-397-8202
Title: Frenchay Dysarthia Assessment Author: Pamela Enderby At: www.proedinc.com: Bookstore: Pro-Ed Publishing 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd. Austin, Texas 78757 1-800-397-8202
4 Contact Hour Course
Dysphagia Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, and Dietitians all play a role in the oral health of their patients, yet oral hygiene continues to be vastly neglected in nursing home residents. Focused attention has recently been placed on the mouth as a result of the reemerging relationship between oral health and systemic disease, especially aspiration pneumonia.
Clinicians of all experience levels may be expected to evaluate and develop intervention plans to address their patients’ oral and dental status without actual instruction. What is normal? What treatment options are available? When does the patient need immediate medical attention? How does a resident’s adverse oral environment affect quality of life?
If you need answers to these questions, this course is for you.
To convey how to complete a basic clinical evaluation of the mouth, especially as it relates to overall wellness and the development of systemic illness, and to present typical treatment options and care planning guidelines for restoration and maintenance of good oral hygiene.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.4 CEU, Introductory; Category 1, Domain of OT, Activities of Daily Living. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .4 CEU
NBCOT 5.0 PDU (course includes assessment component)
This program is offered for 0.4 CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area).
Brenda K. Logsdon, M.A., CCC/SLP, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.).
Financial - Author for Oral Health for the Elderly: Evaluation and Care, receives royalty payments.
Nonfinancial - No relevant non-financial relationship exists.
Teaching methods: This course is designed to be accessible to the advanced beginner, yet may well provide relevant details to the experienced practitioner. Presented as a lecture via web-based, easy to read text, this course includes color photos, live web links, and case studies. Additional enhancements such as references and glossary, email communication with the instructor enrich the learning experience. Practical activities allow for a “hands-on” feel and encourage the learner to use the new information immediately. At the conclusion of the course, there is a Final Exam which requires a minimum passing score of 80%.
2 Contact Hour Course
Patients enter healthcare systems with an expectation of receiving care that will help and not harm them. Yet, present studies show evidence of large numbers of patients receiving injury, often unintentional but preventable, during the administration of healthcare. Many of these deaths were from errors that could have been prevented.
Previous correctional emphasis has been on placing blame on the person who committed the error, with the intention that the person could learn from his/her mistake. Current correctional emphasis is on establishing the root cause of the error and correcting system failures to avoid future occurrences.
Ongoing monitoring of corrective measures must be established. All levels of national healthcare, both inpatient and ambulatory, are committed to decreasing medical errors while restoring the public’s confidence in the healthcare industry. To achieve this goal, facilities must change from a focus on fault-finding to one of system correction within a non-punitive atmosphere. Emphasis must be on improving and implementing processes within systems to prevent and reduce future medical errors.
Completion of this Introductory medical errors reduction course (mandated by Florida Statute 456.013) provides the student with the ability to implement root cause analysis for problem solving to determine effective prevention strategies for decreasing medical errors and increasing patient safety in the healthcare system.
To direct healthcare professionals to concentrate more accurately on preventing medical errors by addressing system structure during the provision of patient care.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for .2 CEU,Introductory Level, Professional Issues: Legal, Legislative & Regulatory Issues. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .2 CEU
NBCOT 2.5 PDU (course includes assessment component)
This program is offered for 0.2 CEU, (Introductory level, Related area).
Approved for .2 CEU (2 contact hours) by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers.
Karen G. Kendall, MSM, PT, CWS is the Director of the Medical Center for Continuing Education.
She holds a BS in Physical Therapy from Indiana University (1967), and an MSM in healthcare administration from Troy State University (2002). She has been a physical therapist since 1967 in acute, outpatient and geriatric facilities, with an emphasis on wound management. Karen developed wound management courses based on evidence-based research and involved healthcare experts teaching continuing educational conferences thru-out the eastern US.
Ms. Kendall recently retired from managing continuing medical education courses for physicians and other healthcare professionals with online courses, conventional conferences and self-directed learning studies.
Karen G. Kendall, MSM, PT, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Intervention Strategies for Reducing Medical Errors, receives royalty payments.
Teaching Methods include: Instructor lecture via text-based content, live Internet links, references, bibliography, glossary, discussion board, email to instructor, and problem solving scenarios, as well as a Final Exam.
This online experience is designed as two separate courses.
The first course deals with medications affecting the Central Nervous System. The second course deals with medications affecting the Gastrointestinal System.
You may choose to take only one course, or you can take both courses – in any order you wish.
The course material is at an introductory level intended for the following professionals: SLP, OT, PT, Clinical Dietitians, Nurses, Pharmacists, and Physician’s Assistants.
Both courses contain an identical beginning section reviewing ”Foundational” material consisting of Neuropharmacology, the swallowing process and an overview of the effects of medications on dysphagia. If you take both courses, you have the option of exempting out of the Foundations section the second time by skipping directly to the Midterm Exam. If you achieve an 80% passing score on the Midterm, you may continue with the rest of the course.
Following the beginning “Foundations” section, we move on to address medications affecting the Central Nervous System. This discussion includes:
Medications used to treat psychosis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, seizures, bipolar disorders, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are also addressed. Each part of the course describes the mechanism of action of the medications, dosing and side effects, as well as related case studies.
Please note there is one required textbook that accompanies this course.
The focus of this course is on providing access to precise information valuable in the evaluation and treatment of patients with Central Nervous System dysfunction and Dysphagia.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 1.0 CEU, Introductory to Intermediate Level, Occupational Therapy Process: Intervention, Outcomes. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is offered for 1.0 CEU (Introductory level, Professional area).
REQUIRED READING
There is a required textbook that must be purchased on your own to supplement the course content: Drugs and Dysphagia: How Medications Can Affect Eating and Swallowing by Lynette Carl, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S. and Peter Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. The book is divided into parts, and the online courses are based on corresponding parts of the book. It is important that the student obtain the text, as examples and test questions will utilize readings from it.
Title: Drugs and Dysphagia: How Medications Can Affect Eating and Swallowing Author: Lynette L. Carl and Peter R. Johnson Publisher: pro-ed Copyright: 2006 Edition: 1st Pages: 333 ISBN: 0-89079-982-2 URL: http://www.proedinc.com/customer/ProductView.aspx?ID=3637
Course Authors and Instructors
Peter R. Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, received his undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Illinois University. He received his MS and PhD in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. He also received an Executive Graduate Degree in Healthcare Financial Management from Ohio State University.
Dr. Johnson has worked in acute care hospital settings, home care, outpatient clinics and long-term care. He has written numerous articles on dysphagia management. Dr. Johnson served as a Column Editor for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Special Interest Division (ASHA SID 13) Dysphagia newsletter and for the ASHA SID 11 newsletter. He is on the Executive Board for the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. He is the recipient of the President's Award and the Outstanding Service Award. Dr. Johnson has participated in research projects on dysphagia treatment. He also serves as a consultant to several companies concerned with dysphagia. He has lectured at various hospitals and universities on the subject of dysphagia management.
Dr. Johnson is currently the Speech Mentor with Select Medical Rehabilitation Services. In this role he has conducted regional training programs, works with Regional Clinical Coordinators to develop clinical programs, serves as a consultant for program development in non-Select facilities and maintains the clinical hotline. Dr. Johnson is also affiliated with the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University.
Lynette L. Carl, PharmD, BCPS, is a consultant pharmacist and a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist.
Dr. Carl obtained her BS in Pharmacy from the University of Florida and her Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed a postdoctoral Residency in Infectious Disease at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, University of Pennsylvania Hospital and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Carl has practiced as a Consultant Pharmacist in hospital, psychiatric, home care and skilled nursing facilities. Her clinical practice experience includes infectious disease, critical care, nutrition support, geriatrics, internal medicine, anticoagulation, cardiology and pain management. She has established clinical pharmacy services that include anti-coagulation clinics, pharmacokinetic dosing services, nutrition support, monitoring services and education programs for patients and healthcare professionals in several hospitals and home care pharmacies.
She has served as clinical adjunct faculty, precepting BS and PharmD students from Mercer University, University of Florida, Nova University and Florida A&M University. She has lectured to pharmacists and other healthcare professions on topics of pharmacotherapy and also served on the speakers bureau of Glaxo Pharmaceuticals and Smith Kline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. She has conducted research and published articles in the area of antibiotic therapy use in infectious disease.
Lynette Carl, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S., Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Drugs and Dysphagia: Medications Affecting the CNS, receives royalty payments.
Peter Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Teaching Methods include:
Several case study examples are provided, which give you the opportunity to learn how to utilize the text as a quick and easy reference source. This will help you more effectively and consistently reference the textbook when confronted with clinical questions in your healthcare settings. The examples should also provide you with real-life clinical situations that mimic problems confronted in your practice.
This online experience is designed as two separate courses. The first course deals with medications affecting the Central Nervous System. The second course deals with medications affecting the Gastrointestinal System. You may choose to take only one course, or you can take both courses – in any order you wish.
Following the beginning “Foundations” section, we move on to address medications that can cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system and those that are used to treat gastrointestinal dysfunction. This discussion includes medications that:
Also discussed are medication induced xerostomia and stomatitis. Each part of the course describes the mechanism of action of the medications, dosing and side effects, as well as related case studies.
The focus of this course is on providing access to precise information valuable in the evaluation and treatment of patients with gastrointestinal system dysfunction and dysphagia.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.7 CEUs, Introductory to Intermediate Level, Occupational Therapy Process: Intervention, Outcomes. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .7 CEUs
NBCOT 8.75 PDU
This course is offered for 0.7 CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area).
Financial - Author for Drugs and Dysphagia: Medications Affecting the GS, receives royalty payments.
5 Contact Hour Course
Teachers, families and health professionals are increasingly seeking Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists to address children’s medical and behavioral feeding disorders. This intermediate course is for pediatric therapists interested in developing the foundational skills to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment within an interdisciplinary setting. The student will be provided with information on:
Topics include: The International Classification of Functioning and Disability, Normal Eating and Feeding Skills, Aspects of Eating and Feeding, Common Feeding Disorders, Management of Feeding Disorders, Therapeutic Assessment, Promoting Full Participation in Mealtime Environments, Therapeutic Treatment of Body Level Feeding/Eating Impairments and Special Populations and Case Studies.
Participants in this course will develop an understanding of normal and abnormal aspects of oral motor skills and swallowing, and examine the developmental, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting children’s eating and feeding skills. The student will be able to develop informed evaluation and intervention strategies to promote safe eating/feeding skills, and to encourage children’s participation in positive mealtime environments at home, school, and the community.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for .5 CEU, Intermediate Level, Occupational Therapy Process: Intervention, Outcomes. The assignment of AOTA CEU does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .5 CEU
NBCOT 6.25 PDU (course includes assessment component)
This program is offered for 0.5 CEU (Intermediate level, Professional area).
Donna Reigstad, MS, OTR received her advanced Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, with a specialization in Early Intervention and school-based practice from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is the Lead Occupational Therapist at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. During her tenure at the hospital, she has worked in the Feeding Clinic for 15 years, both as a member of the interdisciplinary team and as the clinic coordinator. She was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo Department of Occupational Therapy, where she taught pediatric and theory courses.
Ms. Reigstad has co-authored book chapters on Feeding Assessment and Management. She has presented on feeding topics at the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, New York State and American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conferences, and at numerous programs in New York State and Pennsylvania.
Donna Reigstad, MS, OTR, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for introduction to Evaluation and Treatment for Children with Eating and Feeding Disorders, receives royalty payments.
Teaching methods are focused on promoting an interactive, lively learning experience with practical suggestions to enhance clinical problem solving. They include: course content delivered in text format, graphics, pictures, videos, live web links, experiential activities, discussion board, e-mail with instructor, and case studies. Grading is determined by one final exam with a minimum passing grade of 80%.
This Intermediate course will discuss ways to write evaluation, re-evaluation, and certification documentation in compliance with Medicare requirements, to help ensure payment of the claim. The course will focus on the key points that must be present in order to establish the baseline for an episode of care.
To provide the student with the key elements needed in documentation evaluations, re-evaluations and certifications for Medicare B beneficiaries.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.2 CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Issues: Legal, Legislative & Regulatory Issues.. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This program is offered for 0.2 CEUs (Intermediate level, Related area).
Approved for .2 CEUs (2 contact hours) by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers.
Authors and Instructor
Instructor: Melissa Cohn Bernstein, OTR/L, FAOTA is the founder, President/CEO of Dynamic Group. Dynamic Group provides consulting and clinical educational services to the healthcare industry through Dynamic Learning Online, Inc. providing E-Learning for healthcare professionals
With over thirty- five years of experience in healthcare business operations, adult clinical practice, and Medicare regulatory & reimbursement expertise. Melissa’s career includes over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and management with a focus on adult rehab in long term care/skilled nursing facilities and out-patient rehab clinics.
Since 2000, her focus has expanded to offer continuing education and training across the therapy spectrum providing time-sensitive, evidence-based online courses developed by industry experts.
Mrs. Bernstein was nominated and received the highest AOTA honor of a Fellow of Occupational Therapy (FAOTA) at the 2006 conference. Melissa has published several articles and co-authored several book. From August 2006 –November 2009 she served as the Executive Director for NARA, National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, an organization that represents and supports rehabilitation practices nationally with a focus on legislation and running a rehab business from a clinically and operationally perspective in a challenging environment. She was honored in May 2011 with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Board of Directors of NARA, the first recipient of this award.
Consultant/Subject Matter Expert: Nancy J. Beckley, MS, MBA, CHC
Nancy Beckley & Associates LLC is a rehab compliance consulting firm providing consulting and training services, as well outsourced compliance services to therapy clinics, home health agencies, DME suppliers, contract therapy companies, SNFs and other rehab professionals.
The regulatory environment of Medicare, the ever-changing environment of managed care, and the constant need to develop and implement effective marketing strategies are challenges faced by most rehab providers and therapy clinics. Mrs. Beckley assist Rehab providers with these challenges and provide targeted consulting expertise to enable the organization to meet these challenges
Contributing Author : Kate Brewer, PT, MBA, GCS is the President and Owner of Progressive Rehab Solutions. In addition to her consulting activities she is also the Vice President and Compliance Officer of a Rehab Agency managing over 300 employees.
Her hands-on experience ensures that you will be kept on the leading edge of the latest changes to Medicare and other reimbursement and coding changes. Ms. Brewer has her BA in Communications, her MPT from Marquette University and a MBA from Cardinal Stritch University.
Ms. Brewer is nationally recognized for her expertise in documentation and coding issues and currently serves on the editorial board for the following publications:
Ms. Brewer has authored the books:
Author(s) Disclosures
Melissa Cohn Bernstein, OTR/L, FAOTA Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Nancy J. Beckley, MS, MBA, CHC Content Consultant/content expert, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Kate Brewer, PT, MBA, GCS, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
This Intermediate course is designed to help therapists understand the basics of the coding required in order to submit a clean claim to Medicare B. The coding topics covered in this course include ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases) coding, CPT (Current Procedural Technology) coding, and understanding the CCI (Correct Coding Initiative) edits process.
The learner will gain a general understanding of Medicare B therapy claims and the processes through which claims are coded.
1 Contact Hour
This Intermediate course will teach therapists to write clear, measurable and achievable goals that will assist in demonstrating progress in the medical record.
The participant will be able to write a personalized goal for a patient that is individualized, objective and demonstrates a strong relation to function.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.1 CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Issues: Legal, Legislative & Regulatory Issues. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is AOTA approved for .1 CEUs
NBCOT 1.25 PDU
This program is offered for 0.1 CEUs (Intermediate level, Related area).
Approved for .1 CEUs (1 contact hour) by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers.
Intermediate Level: This course will introduce the required documentation components for daily notes and therapy progress notes. Included are the requirements set by Medicare B, as well as important tips on how to improve documentation to capture medical necessity and skills of the therapist.
To provide the information therapists need to write appropriate daily notes, and progress notes for Medicare B beneficiaries receiving therapy services.
This Intermediate course will show how to make the documentation for therapy services support the need for medically reasonable and necessary therapy services. The student will learn the requirements set by Medicare B, as well as important tips on how to improve documentation to include medical necessity and skills of the therapist
The student will be able to identify the key elements that should be present to support the medically necessity of therapy services for a Medicare B beneficiary.
Part of a therapist’s responsibility when providing services for a Medicare B beneficiary is to design a program that facilitates carryover from gains made in therapy to maintenance and continued improvement in a home living environment. This Intermediate program takes the form of a home exercise program for independent patients, and may be a restorative nursing or functional maintenance program for those living in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). This course will introduce the components necessary to document these programs effectively.
To present the components of home exercise and restorative nursing programs in keeping with Medicare guidelines.
Intermediate Level: Regardless of your payor source, a therapy plan of care cannot be closed without a proper discharge note. It is the clinician’s final opportunity to justify the services provided, demonstrate progress, and provide closure to the “story” of the patient’s treatment. This course provides the required documentation components of discharge from therapy services, including requirements set by Medicare B, as well as important tips on how to capture medical necessity and skills of the therapist.
To provide the steps necessary for writing an appropriate discharge notes in accordance with Medicare B regulations.
Dynamic Group is an approved provider of continuing education courses by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This program is offered for 0.1 CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Issues: Legal, Legislative & Regulatory Issues.. The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
All therapy services provided to a Medicare B beneficiary under their benefit are subject to the scrutiny of Medicare as the payor. Some claims are paid, some are not. This Intermediate course will assist therapists in understanding how to navigate the appeals and denials processes when a claim for services provided to a Medicare B beneficiary has been denied by the Medicare Approved Contractor (MAC), fiscal intermediary or carrier.
To provide a guide through the Medicare B appeals process.
This course is AOTA approved for .1 CEU
Providing therapy services under Medicare A in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a greatly rewarding experience. However, many therapists and assistants are challenged and intimidated by the numerous rules and regulations that govern the provision of these services. This Intermediate module is designed to provide a bird’s eye overview of the UPDATED regulations, effective October 1, 2011 that govern the provision of therapy services and provide insight into how the overall payment system works under the MDS 3.0, including reimbursement under Medicare A, including RUGS-IV assessments are required, and how therapy services are delivered and captured for Medicare A beneficiaries.
The student will be able to identify the key components of the minimum data set (MDS) 3.0 for which therapy is responsible and how to complete them accurately.
Intermediate Level course. Compliance plays a very important role in helping to preserve and protect Medicare dollars. This course will provide the key elements a compliance program needs in order to help monitor documentation and coding. In addition, information will be presented on how to implement a good quality assurance program for documentation, including the basics of the audit and medical review programs utilized by Medicare.
The student will be able to identify the components of a good compliance and quality assurance process for therapy documentation and be familiar with the different audits Medicare uses.
This course is designed to introduce health care practitioners to the principles and application of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
This 3 contact hour course is the first in a series and will cover the basic techniques used to apply research evidence to everyday clinical decision making. These principles and skills will allow the student to apply current best practice evidence immediately and improve clinical decision making and clinical practice. The course will incorporate self-guided text lectures, demonstrations, practice assignments, and a final exam is to be completed at the conclusion of the course.
This course is designed for learners who are Beginners or are Advanced Beginners in using EBP principles.
Course Goal: To be able to critically analyze research literature to inform clinical decision making.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to
This course is AOTA approved for 0.3 CEUs
AOTA Classification Codes:
This program is offered for 0.3 CEU (Intermediate level, Related area).
This course is also approved by:
Thomas Cappaert, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Dr. Cappaert is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He received his PhD from the University of Toledo in Clinical Exercise Physiology and has taught at the graduate and undergraduate-level in the following topic areas: research methods/statistics, athletic training, exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology, exercise testing and wellness. He has clinical experience in athletic training, physical rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and in fitness and wellness programming.
Dr. Cappaert serves on the Editorial board of the Journal of Athletic Training, the Athletic Training Education Journal, the Journal of College Science Teaching and is a manuscript reviewer for several other journals. He is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Strength and Conditional Specialist (CSCS) and an ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist.
Research interests include environmental cold injury, endurance training and lumbar spine injuries in athletes.
Thomas Cappaert, PhD, ATC, CSCS, Contracted Instructor/Writer, Dynamic Group (Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.)
Financial - Author for Evidence Based Practice, Part 1: The Basics, receives royalty payments.
Teaching methods: This course will incorporate self-guided text lectures, demonstrations, and practice assignments. E-mail correspondence with the instructor is encouraged but not required. There is one final exam, with the expectation of an 80% score to receive credit for the course.
This course is designed to expand on the basic knowledge of the application of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
It is the second in a series and will cover the techniques used to critically appraise research evidence in the form of meta-analysis and systematic review articles. These principles and skills will allow the student to apply current best practice evidence immediately and improve clinical decision making and clinical practice.
Course Goal: To be able to critically analyze literature that examines evidence in the form of meta-analysis and systematic review to inform clinical decision making.
This course is AOTA approved for 0.2 CEUs
Financial - Author for Evidence Based Practice, Part 2: Critical Appraisal of Meta-Analysis and Systemic Review Papers, receives royalty payments.
Non-financial - No relevant non-financial relationship exists
This course is the third in a series and will cover the techniques used to critically appraise research evidence in the form of articles reporting
These principles and skills will allow the student to apply current best practice evidence immediately and improve clinical decision making and clinical practice.
Course Goal: To be able to critically analyze literature that examines interventions or treatment techniques to inform clinical decision making.
Financial - Author of Evidence Based Practice, Part 3: Critical Appraisal Techniques, receives royalty payments.
The Joint Commission, 2013 Hospital Accreditation Standards is essential knowledge for all healthcare workers who are in a hospital setting. This specially priced online course provides the Rehab portion of the standards to be used as a supplement to reinforce your general orientation to the hospital. Essential JCAHO Guidelines for the Rehab Dept. will reinforce the Rehab department’s specific information that will provide an ongoing resource for you to use as a reference. Furthermore, you will become familiar with the hospital’s mission, vision, values as well as the hospital policies and procedures that are designed to create a safe and positive environment for both staff and patients.
Course Topics
This course meets criteria for accreditation standards for national and state accrediting bodies. Due to the mandatory nature of the Rehab information, knowledge gained in this course meets compliance of JACHO accredited hospitals for those therapists working in hospital setting. Upon successfully completing this course, therapist will receive a certificate of attendance for 2 content hours.
Angela M. Phillips, PT
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Allied Health Professions, Ms. Phillips has over 35 years of experience as a consultant, health care executive, hospital administrator, educator, and clinician. Ms. Phillips is one of the nation’s leading consultants assisting acute rehabilitation units and hospitals in operating effectively under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) and in addressing key issues related to compliance.
Ms. Phillips has extensive experience as a speaker and consultant for inpatient rehabilitation, long term acute care hospitals, outpatient therapy, and hospital based rehabilitation services including operational assessment and management, performance improvement, clinical programming, and accreditation preparation.
In her role as a rehabilitation consultant, Angela Phillips brings a wide variety of expertise across the rehabilitation continuum of care. She specializes in providing management support for rehabilitation hospitals, units, clinics, and practices. Ms. Phillips is recognized as a pioneer in providing consultation and tools for preparation for The Joint Commission (TJC) survey for managers and staff involved in rehabilitation in various settings.
Ms. Phillips’ areas of expertise include the following:
Ms. Phillips has been a frequent speaker for the American Physical Therapy Association and other professional groups. She is author of The Desktop Consultant: The Rehab Department’s Guide to JCAHO, The Desktop Consultant: The Book of Policies for Rehabilitation Services, and a frequent contributor to physical therapy publications.
Ms. Phillips is the 2006 recipient of the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s Tom Waugh Leadership Award. She has represented the American Physical Therapy Association as the Vice President for the Section on Health Policy and Administration and actively participates in political issues that affect the industry.
Angela M. Phillips, PT, Instructor/writer, Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.
As a self-directed learner in this interactive course, you are encouraged to practice, seek out and read additional references regarding Essential JCAHO Guidelines for the Rehab Dept. that can only enhance the contents provided within this course. This course consists of instructor-based lecture in text format, web links, instructor/class e-mail, pictures, graphics, references and resources..
