Brittany Ferri

Many companies (including but not limited to health care organizations) experienced the negative effects of supply chain shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are other reasons for such supply issues.
The most recent shortage has impacted many prescription medications and is attributed to a tornado damaging a Pfizer factory in North Carolina. Hospitals were particularly anxious about this incident, which led some of these large organizations to overbuy. This response only wor...

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 8.1% of adults will experience ADHD between the ages of 18 to 44 years. Adult ADHD impacts an individual’s abilities to participate in their work, education, and personal lives. Additionally, adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, mood or conduct disorders, and substance use disorders. Due to the effects of ADHD across the lifespan, adults with this condition are at risk of experiencing limitations in functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in their home lives.

While the category of rest and sleep was just added to the list of occupational areas within our field’s scope of practice, it has long had an impact on the way individuals function. People who get too much, too little, or poor quality sleep are at risk of experiencing physical and mental health concerns and decreased quality of life. Individuals who do not get the right kind of rest also experience poorer health outcomes along with higher healthcare costs and service utilization.

Most people who have health insurance are at least somewhat familiar with the term ‘out-of-network.’ Those who work in the health insurance industry likely explain this concept to members often. While many people know that out-of-network refers to providers and services that are not covered under a person’s health insurance plan, it’s not always that easy.
There are an increasing number of loopholes that can change the meaning of out-of-network depending on the situation. For example, let’s s...

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that involves an excess of swelling in one or more extremities due to a blocked or otherwise impaired lymphatic system. With up to 10 million Americans living with lymphedema and other forms of lymphatic dysfunction, healthcare providers must have an understanding of this condition and how it comes about. Occupational therapists are just one type of healthcare professional who can assist individuals in rehabilitating from lymphedema and similar disorders.

Medicaid rate changes continue to impact health care providers in all practice areas. But many people don’t know that most legislators agree a rate increase is key to the continuation of many essential medical services. Rather, the root of the problem is the debate over exactly what rate changes should take place.
Behavioral health programs and human service fields are examples of areas that have often been overlooked amid rate discussions. Although, providers across many other practice areas...

A growing number of occupational therapists are becoming interested in academia, either as a way to supplement their clinical work or as a source of full-time employment. Regardless of a therapist’s motivation for entering academia, there are a variety of factors they must consider along with barriers and resources along the way. Occupational therapists who enter academia are poised to become mentors and leaders in the field, so they should receive sufficient support to develop their skills and adequately assist occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students.

While there are many personal and professional reasons why occupational therapists choose to enter private practice, a recent survey suggests that autonomy and financial issues are the predominant motivations. There are also opportunities for therapists to utilize skills across several practice settings and specialties by entering the private sector. Occupational therapists can exercise a greater deal of control and creativity over the work they do in this arena.

There are many factors that a therapist must work around when they present themselves within the therapeutic relationship. This includes fatigue, pain, endurance, and varying levels of motivation. But a patient’s behavior is perhaps one of the most impactful of these factors, as someone’s demeanor and actions are fundamental to their ability to engage in meaningful activities. Patients may demonstrate inappropriate or unsuitable behaviors in nearly any practice setting.

Just over 13 years after it was first enacted, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) seems to be experiencing major infrastructure issues. Unlike some systems issues of the same nature, this appears to be due to the overwhelming demand for ACA-based health insurance plans.
Within the last two years, there has been a surge in ACA enrollments. In addition, this was around the time that insurers began partnering with fewer health care facilities and providers in an effort to reduce costs during the pand...

It’s no coincidence that many people feel more energized and motivated when the sun is out. Sunlight can certainly boost our mood, but it actually has more important benefits for our body and mind. One of the main ways our body uses sunlight is to help with the process of building strong bones.
Before we discuss how sunlight helps our bones, we first need to understand how bones are created, since sunlight does not work alone. You may already know that we rely on calcium for bone strength. Th...

Roughly 36% of patients seek a second opinion, though the exact numbers vary based on the type of provider someone is looking for[1]. Getting a second opinion is as simple as seeking advice from a doctor, surgeon, or therapist other than the provider who is currently treating you. Studies show that, after a second opinion, 15% of patients got a different diagnosis and 37% of patients received different treatment[1]. In addition, 11% of patients had a different diagnosis and different treatmen...

Allograft tissue is a remarkable and well-supported medical advancement in the healthcare industry. While it has been used in common surgeries for many years, most patients are unfamiliar with it. It is crucial for individuals undergoing orthopedic procedures involving allograft tissue to understand its nature, application, and any associated risks.

The Basics

Allograft refers to any tissue, bone, or bodily material obtained from a deceased donor’s body and transplanted into another person’s ...

Many people underestimate the influence that cleats and artificial turf can have on an athlete’s musculoskeletal health. Originally designed to prevent slips and accidents during sports, cleats were intended to protect players. Similarly, artificial turf aimed to provide more cushioning for landings and reduce cuts and scrapes by minimizing friction on the skin upon contact. Manufacturers often claim that artificial turf causes fewer twisted ankles due to its even surface.
Turf, Cleats, and t...

Calcium
While calcium is one of the most well-known nutrients needed for bone health, studies show that over 40% of Americans are deficient in this mineral[1] and 3.5 billion people across the globe are at a significant risk of calcium deficiency[2]. Calcium is crucial to the structure of bones, as they are made of up to 99% calcium in combination with other minerals such as phosphate[3]. Calcium can also be found in the blood, muscles, nerves, and tissues, as it helps with bodily movement.
T...