Written By Mari Diaz
In this exclusive interview, Mari Diaz has the privilege of speaking with Mandy Vatter, Account Executive at Florida PAM Health Hospitals, and Christopher M. Maglaras III, Vice President - Workers' Compensation Inpatient Program at PAM Health. Together, they shed light on PAM Health's Workers' Compensation Program and its vision to become the leading provider of post-acute care services for employers and Carriers/TPAs.
Q: Can you tell us about PAM Health and the services you provide in the workers' compensation industry?
Mandy Vatter: Absolutely! At PAM Health, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals in the communities we serve. In the workers' compensation industry, our focus is on putting the patient first and delivering exceptional care to medically complex and rehabilitation patients. We offer a wide range of personalized treatments, including one-on-one physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a dedicated team of specialty physicians, surgeons, and nurses. Our ultimate goal is to help each patient reach their highest level of functional recovery.
Q: How does PAM Health address the challenges faced by customers in the workers' compensation field?
Mandy Vatter: We understand that customers in the workers' compensation field face unique challenges, which is why we prioritize coordination and communication. We tailor every aspect of communication to meet the specific needs of our clients, starting from the admission and authorization process. We recognize that workers' compensation cases can vary from state to state, so we work closely with our clients to ensure a smooth and seamless experience from the moment of patient admission to their successful discharge.
Q: What sets PAM Health apart from other firms/organizations/products/services in the workers' compensation industry?
Mandy Vatter: One of the key things that truly sets PAM Health apart is our unwavering commitment to providing individualized patient care. We take the time to genuinely understand each injured worker's job requirements and personal living situation, allowing us to better prepare them for a safe return to both their home and work environments. Additionally, our extensive experience and abundant resources enable us to offer customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of injured workers, delivering exceptional outcomes.
Q: Can you share the story of how PAM Health began and what motivated you to focus on workers' compensation?
Christopher M. Maglaras III: The story of PAM Health began back in 2006 when Anthony Misitano founded Post Acute Medical, LLC with just three hospitals. Since then, we have grown exponentially by building new hospitals and acquiring existing ones across multiple states. In 2018, we launched our Workers' Compensation Program in response to feedback from our insurance partners who expressed concerns about patient care at local hospitals. We heard about issues related to cost management, communication breakdowns, and poor patient outcomes, which motivated us to create a tailored solution. Since the inception of our program, we have proudly helped over 1,000 injured workers receive the specialized care they need and deserve.
Q: How many locations does PAM Health currently have, and are there any plans for expansion?
Christopher M. Maglaras III: We are thrilled to have a network of 78 hospitals, including Specialty LTACs, Independent Rehabilitation Facilities, and Behavioral Health Hospitals. However, our growth doesn't stop there. We have ambitious plans for expansion, with nine new hospitals set to open in 2024 in Wesley Chapel, Orange City, and Pensacola, Florida. We are excited about the opportunity to serve even more communities and make a positive impact in the field of workers' compensation.
Q: How can employers, adjusters, and case managers refer injured workers to PAM Health?
Mandy Vatter: Referring an injured worker to PAM Health is a simple and straightforward process. Employers, adjusters, and case managers can easily reach out to our hospital admissions office or contact the dedicated Workers' Comp Program Director in their specific market. Our expert team works closely with the referring physician or hospital to gather all the necessary clinical records and conduct a comprehensive in-person assessment of the patient within just a few hours. We understand the importance of timely care, so we prioritize prompt authorization of admission and transfer to ensure that injured workers receive the specialized and timely treatment they need.
Q: What is the vision, mission, and culture of PAM Health?
Christopher M. Maglaras III: At PAM Health, our vision is to become the premier provider of post-acute care services. We are fueled by a deep-rooted mission to deliver exceptional patient care and provide outstanding customer service. Our culture revolves around values such as respect, integrity, healing with compassion, teamwork, and innovation. These values are not just words on paper but guide our every interaction with patients, partners, and employees. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Q: How does PAM Health address pain management for injured workers?
Mandy Vatter: Pain management is a crucial aspect of the recovery process for injured workers, and at PAM Health, we prioritize their well-being by ensuring safe and effective pain management practices. Our multidisciplinary team, including attending physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and case managers, work closely together to develop personalized pain management plans for each patient. We take a comprehensive approach that minimizes the risk of opioid dependency or misuse while effectively addressing and managing pain. We also explore partnerships with leading companies in the workers' compensation space to integrate innovative pain management therapies into our treatment protocols, ensuring the highest level of care.
Q: Can you tell us about PAM Health's approach to mental health in the healing process?
Christopher M. Maglaras III: We recognize the significant impact of mental health on the healing process, and at PAM Health, we take a comprehensive approach to address the mental well-being of injured workers. Our dedicated NeuroPsych specialists provide crucial support and guidance to help patients cope with any mental health challenges they may be facing as a result of their accident or injury. Additionally, our clinical teams focus not only on physical recovery but also on improving overall function, including mobility, activities of daily living, psychosocial adjustment, and community integration. We even offer home and job site evaluations to facilitate a safe and successful transition back to the home and work environment.
Q: How does PAM Health stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in orthopedic care and treatment? Can you discuss any innovative treatment methods or approaches that PAM Health has implemented to enhance outcomes for injured workers?
Mandy Vatter: At PAM Health, we are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in orthopedic care and treatment. We actively collaborate with leading medical device and technology companies, allowing our patients to access groundbreaking technologies and treatment options. For example, through our partnership with EksoBionics, we provide our patients with access to EksoNR, an FDA-cleared exoskeleton suit used in the treatment of acquired brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury. By incorporating these innovative treatment methods, we significantly enhance outcomes for injured workers, promoting faster recovery and improving their overall quality of life.
Additionally, we are proud to be actively involved in the Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART) research study. This groundbreaking study, conducted in collaboration with global leaders in rehabilitative technology and academic institutions, aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of emerging technologies in patient care. We incorporate cutting-edge equipment, such as robotic exoskeletons, virtual reality systems, and motor skills training devices, into our rehabilitation therapies. This allows us to provide our patients with the latest and most effective treatments available, further improving their outcomes and overall experience.
Q: In conclusion, what makes PAM Health's Workers' Compensation Program stand out?
Mandy Vatter: PAM Health's Workers' Compensation Program stands out because we genuinely care about each individual patient and go above and beyond to provide personalized care. We address the specific needs and concerns of our patients, focusing on their unique situations and goals. Our streamlined admission process, regular interdisciplinary meetings with WC Carriers/TPAs, and dedicated Workers' Comp liaison for each case ensure effective communication and collaboration. We understand that every injured worker, adjuster, and case manager is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly. With our commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and dedicated team, we make a significant impact in the workers' compensation field, delivering outstanding care and positive patient outcomes every step of the way.
