Advancing Physical
Therapy: Looking Back at 2024, Moving Forward in 2025
Aswestepinto2025,wetakeamomentto reflectonthesignificantstridesAPTANewYork anditsmembershavemadeinadvancingthe physicaltherapyprofession.Fromkeyadvocacy winstocommunityengagementinitiatives,the pastyearwasfilledwithaccomplishmentsthat havesetthestageforcontinuedgrowthand progress.
TopNews
ExpandingAccess,Strengthening Advocacy–APTANewYorkkicksoff2025 witharenewedpushfordirectaccessand fairinsurancepolicies.Learnwhat’sahead forphysicaltherapylegislationthisyear!
MarkYourCalendars:KeyEventsin2025 –FromLobbyDayonApril29toour AnnualConferenceinJune,discoverthe majoreventsshapingthefutureofPTin NewYork.
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
“Together, we strive to overcome obstacles and celebrate the progress we make in advancing our profession and the care we provide.”
As we close one year and look ahead to the next, it’s a great opportunity to pause and reflect on what we've accomplished, while preparing for the challenges and opportunities the future holds. Together, we strive to overcome obstacles and celebrate the progress we make in advancing our profession and the care we provide
Celebrating Accomplishments in 2024
The year 2024 was one of notable achievements for physical therapists, with significant national and state-level wins. At the national level, the APTA’s advocacy efforts paved the way for reduced administrative burdens in Medicare. A key victory was the change to Medicare's plan of care requirement, which now allows physical therapists to simply submit a plan of care to the referring physician within 30 days of the initial evaluation, eliminating the need for a physician signature for the initial certification. This change ensures PTs can begin treatment with confidence that they will be reimbursed for medically necessary services.
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
Additionally, APTA successfully advocated for the update to the direct supervision requirement for PTAs under Medicare Part B, shifting it from a requirement for direct supervision to general supervision. This change improves access to care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries and provides essential relief to the therapy workforce
Advocacy in New York
“As we move into 2025, APTA New York is excited about the opportunities ahead.”
In New York, we celebrated the implementation of licensure for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) in early 2024 a significant milestone that was initiated in 2023 However, our 2024 legislative priorities saw mixed results. We were unable to secure changes to direct access limitations or supervision requirements for PTAs, with strong opposition from the New York Society of Orthopedic Surgeons hindering progress on direct access. Currently, the law allows only 10 visits or 30 days for evaluation, but APTA New York remains committed to advocating for changes that will facilitate quicker and more cost-effective access to care for those seeking physical therapy in the state.
While we briefly celebrated an advocacy victory on a co-payment bill, which was later vetoed, there was a
major success for workers' compensation patients in New York: Physical Therapy Assistants are now authorized to treat within the workers' compensation system. This is a significant victory that improves accessibility to care for all patients in workers' compensation clinics.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, APTA New York is excited about the opportunities ahead. We are focused on building on the lessons we've learned and engaging physical therapists and PTAs in a wide range of advocacy and community service activities. One major event will be our annual Lobby Day in Albany on April 29th, with registration now open. At this event, we will advocate for issues that benefit both physical therapists and healthcare consumers, including:
Expanding direct access for physical therapy beyond the current 10-visit and 30-day limitation
Implementing general supervision requirements for PTAs
Co-payment legislation to reduce the financial burden on patients
Highlighting the essential role of physical therapists in advancing the health and well-being of New Yorkers
Additionally, we will hold our bi-annual conference on June 1st, and encourage all members to participate. Registration is now open.
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
Get Involved
Before the conference, members will have an opportunity to lend their voice by becoming a delegate to New York’s Delegate Assembly. I urge all members especially those who have never considered it to get involved in the governance process As Pablo Picasso wisely said, “Action is the foundational key to all success ”
Community Engagement
“Looking back at 2024, we have much to celebrate, but the work is far from over.”
In 2024, APTA New York members demonstrated their commitment to community service by participating in a variety of charity and volunteer events One of the highlights was our inaugural statewide Access to Health Day, which aimed to educate the public on the benefits of physical therapy and connect therapists with local communities Over 30 physical therapy locations across the state participated, providing health screenings for a variety of needs. Our members also volunteered countless hours with community-based organizations, embracing the spirit of service and making a tangible difference in the lives of many. As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give ”
Conclusion
Looking back at 2024, we have much to celebrate, but the work is far from over Together, we will continue to advocate for our profession, serve our communities, and strive to make healthcare more accessible for all.
Thank you for your dedication and service to our profession. I look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead!
2025 APTA NEW YORK PHYSICAL THERAPY CONFERENCE
About Our Conference
The APTA New York Conference, themed “Life in Motion: Encouraging Exercise and Optimizing Movement Throughout the Lifespan,” features expert-led sessions, research presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. Don't miss this chance to advance your career and connect with industry leaders!
Our Presenters
Tim Hague Sr Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT Keynote Speaker Continuing Education Session
Trivia Night – Saturday, May 31st!
June 1st, 2025
The Desmond Hotel Albany, NY
Questions?
Email APTA New York Events & Continuing Education Coordinator, Erin Stack, at estack@aptany.org
Join us for a fun-filled evening starting at 6:30 PM with hors d'oeuvres and drinks, followed by a fast-paced trivia challenge from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Stick around afterward to mingle and enjoy the night. Don’t miss this chance to test your knowledge and have a great time!
APRIL 29 Lobby Day
MAY 29 -
JUNE 1
Leadership Development Workshop/ BOD Meeting/ Delegate Assembly/ Conference
OCT. 24 Board of Directors Meeting
OCT. 25 Access to Health Day
JAN. 1
JUNE 4JUNE 6 Executive Committee/ Board of Directors/ Delegate Assembly Board of Directors Meeting
Find upcoming events in your district:
Long Island District
CE Event - Breast Cancer Course
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Join us for an essential continuing education event designed for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants looking to expand their knowledge in oncology rehabilitation.
This course provides fundamental knowledge on common impairments caused by surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, and endocrine therapy Special focus areas include:
Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)
Postural & Scapular Dysfunction
Lymphedema Management
REGISTER NOW
Hudson Valley CE Event & Meeting
MARCH 3, 2025
This course provides the fundamental principles of Motivational Interviewing as a person-centered approach focused on empowering and motivating individuals to thrive in their daily lives, especially patients with chronic health conditions
REGISTER NOW
Central District CE Event - LGBTQ+ Rehab
MARCH 3, 2025
This course will delve into the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing body and gender dysmorphia, including the effects of binding and its implications for both anatomical and emotional rehabilitation
REGISTER NOW
Meet the candidates!
As we prepare to vote for our next slate of officers, take a moment to get to know each of them
They’ve answered key questions about their positions, their vision, and what they bring to the table
Your vote matters learn more about each candidate and make an informed decision on who should lead us forward!
KYLE ADAMS DPT, DSC, PT
T R E A S U R E R
I have become inspired to run for the role of APTA New York Treasurer after several years of involvement in service at the local, state and national level For example, I have been the Treasurer for APTA New York’s Central District since 2018, and since 2021, have been on the Finance Committee for both APTA New York and the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) Via these roles and several years at Delegate Assembly and the House of Delegates, endless individuals have acted as mentors who have increased my knowledge and grown my passion for service. I have spent 15 years of my career as a staff clinician/clinic manager with two small orthopedic private practices, one year as an orthopedic residency/spine fellowship coordinator, 10 years providing post-professional course instruction around the United States for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and have spent the past 8 years as a full-time professor in a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program. During these past 8 years, I have remained active as a clinician/mentor in Central New York Each position has included financial decision-making responsibilities that have taught me the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with maximizing what we offer to those we serve, whether employees, patients, students or anyone else for that matter. I now believe that serving as the next APTA New York Treasurer will afford me the ability to give back to this amazing profession in any way possible
Throughout my 26-year membership in APTA and APTA New York, I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally. Active involvement as part of the leadership in our organization and profession as it expands and continues to move forward has allowed me to assist in creating and fostering opportunities for other members to do the same My time serving as Secretary of APTA New York has continued to reinforce my commitment to the Chapter and its membership. I believe an EC with diverse experiences is advantageous to allow for representation of as many areas/settings of our membership as possible. Representing members at the Executive Committee (EC) level is not a responsibility that I take lightly and is a prime reason that I am running for a second term as Secretary.
My experiences as Secretary of the Chapter, Finger Lakes District secretary and Director of Rehab at Jones Memorial Hospital make me an ideal candidate for this role. During my term as Secretary of APTA New York, I have looked for ways to increase efficiency by integrate AI into our documenting content from EC meetings and look to expand to other Chapter meetings as appropriate. As Director of Rehab Services, I have served as scribe during internal and external crises as part of the Emergency Operations Center, providing minutes documenting the event, roles and responsibilities, follow-up and resolution but also a timeline of events.
Thank you for your consideration. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve these past two years
S E C R E T A
DIMITRIOS KOSTOPOULOS
DPT, DSC, MD, PT
S E C R E T A R Y
I am honored to run for the position of APTA New York Secretary, motivated by my deep commitment to advocating for the physical therapy profession in both New York State and nationally. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to addressing key challenges in our field, including stagnant reimbursements, excessive insurance bureaucracy, high patient co-pays, and the exodus of physical therapists due to professional dissatisfaction and burnout.
I have had the privilege of serving as Chairperson of the Association of Independent Physical Therapists (AIPT) for several years and as the elected Secretary of the Board of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management (ACEWM) of APTA
I have led impactful campaigns in New York State, including efforts against insurance reductions and initiatives to lower high co-pays. I am also an avid advocate for recognizing Physical Therapy as a Primary Care Profession, a critical step in expanding access and autonomy for our profession My diverse experience as a physical therapist, educator, and leader has equipped me to bring innovative solutions and transparent communication to this role If elected, I will prioritize initiatives that enhance reimbursement policies, reduce administrative burdens, and create opportunities for professional development, such as equitable compensation and pathways for educational debt solutions.
As Secretary, I aim to foster inclusive dialogue, support organizational excellence, and champion the critical issues facing our profession to ensure a sustainable and impactful future for physical therapy
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to contributing my experience and passion to APTA New York as Secretary
C H I E F D E L E G A T E
As Chief Delegate, I believe it is extremely important to have clear and timely communication with delegates. I will actively participate in all meetings and provide members with summaries of key discussions, decisions, and updates that directly impact our profession and APTA New York. To keep things accessible and organized, I’ll use tools we already know, like Basecamp (which the NY board uses for file organization), and I’ll also set up a dedicated Google Drive with living documents that everyone can access
These systems will make it easy for members to access all relevant documents and resources in an organized and transparent manner.
Additionally, I will closely monitor APTA communities (the "hub") for announcements, updates, and opportunities, ensuring that members remain well-informed and connected to the latest developments. If there’s interest, I may host motion creation sessions where we can come together, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate on motions to bring forward. These sessions can be a great way to connect, share thoughts, and refine initiatives in a supportive space.
During the Delegate Assembly, I will be available to discuss and collaborate with members on current and proposed motions, fostering a culture of partnership. My goal is to ensure that every member's voice is effectively represented in the House of Delegates, strengthening our collective impact and advancing the priorities of APTA New York.
LORI HOCHMAN, PT, PHD
How we communicate has changed, and the chapter can use several strategies to engage members, including targeted leadership programming and grass-roots mentorship. I suggest hosting a virtual webinar with current leaders where they share and discuss their APTA NY leadership journey, the impact of these roles on their professional development, and their satisfaction with being an active leader
In addition, holding several evening virtual Leadership Develop Workshops that generate continuing education units may foster greater involvement, especially for those in clinical roles. A mentorship program can also be instrumental in pairing experienced leaders with emerging members to provide guidance and demystify the path to leadership.
I believe members want a place to provide feedback, so to ensure members feel their voices are heard, conducting regular surveys about their interests and areas where they'd like to contribute may help tailor leadership opportunities to the needs of the chapter and its members. The chapter should continue to offer various entry points into leadership through committee positions, delegate assembly, and outreach to academic programs. Together, these initiatives may create a stronger pipeline of engaged future leaders
Lobby Day is your opportunity to make your voice heard! Join fellow APTA New York members in meeting state senators and assembly members to advocate for legislation that impacts the physical therapy profession.
Whether you’re a seasoned participant or new to Lobby Day, we’ve got you covered! Experienced members will guide firsttimers through the process.
Get the Tools You Need!
Download the NEW APTA ACTION App from your app store and select “New York” to access key legislative materials for a successful meeting.
APTA NEW YORK PUSHES FOR DIRECT ACCESS
APTA New York President Mike Tisbe advocates at Lobby Day for legislation expanding direct access to physical therapy for faster, more efficient care.
FREE PT ASSESSMENTS HELD AT NAZARETH UNIVERSITY
Nazareth University provided free physical therapy assessments on Monday, December 4, offering the community expert evaluations and guidance
NEW YORK ELEVATES PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS TO LICENSED PROFESSIONALS
New York State officially reclassified physical therapy assistants as licensed professionals starting February 17, 2024, recognizing their advanced training and role in expanding patient care
JACOB MCPHERSON ON WVIB’S WAKE UP!
DR. KARENA WU ON TODAY!
Publisher
APTA New York
P.O. Box 592
Wynantskill, NY 12198
5184594499
wwwaptanyorg
Editorial Board
Leah Talbot, PT, MSPT
Chapter Officers
President Vice President Treasurer
Secretary Chief Delegate
Speaker of DA
Editor/Designer
Juliet Barney
The APTA New York Newsletter is published 6 times per year
Michael Tisbe PT, DPT
Michael Masaracchio PT, DPT, PhD
Michael Huson PT, DPT
Catherine Zacher, PT, DPT
Nannette Hyland
Audrey Paslow PT, DPT
Chapter Directors
Brooklyn/Staten Island
Catskill
Central Eastern Finger Lakes
Greater New York
Hudson Valley
Long Island
Southern Tier
Western
Chapter Office Staff
Executive Director
Anna Len PT, DPT
Yvonne Egitto PT,DPT
Adam Rufa PT, DPT
Audrey Paslow PT, DPT
Jennifer Fay, PT, MSPT, EdD
Rosa Torres-Panchame DPT, PT
Mary Libutti, PT, DPT, MSPT
Eric Greenberg PT
Joel VanSlyke, PT, DPT, MS
Jacob McPherson PT, DPT, OCS
Communications Manager Continuing Education & Events Coordinator
Eileen Renaud Juliet Barney Erin Stack