New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland

| Name | Title | Area of Expertise | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Michelle Fitzgerald | Chief Executive Officer | Leadership in acute care and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation; 30+ years of healthcare administration and physical therapy expertise. | | Thomas Morrione, M.D.| Medical Director | Geriatric medicine, family medicine, and inpatient rehabilitation; board-certified in family and geriatric medicine. | | Stacy Bray | Controller | Healthcare finance with 20+ years of experience; expertise in financial management for healthcare organizations. | | Kate Carlson, PharmD, BCGP | Clinical Pharmacist | Geriatric pharmacology; board-certified geriatric pharmacist. | | Catherine Graham, OTL| Business Development Director | Healthcare expertise in occupational therapy, case management, and admissions. | | Paul Muehle | Director of Facilities Management | Healthcare facility management, business operations, and materials oversight. | | Torey Murphy, RN, BSN| Director of Quality and Risk Management | Quality improvement, patient care, risk management, and nursing leadership; 30+ years in healthcare. | | Evan Savage, M.D. | Associate Medical Director | Physical medicine and rehabilitation expertise; trained in residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. | | Victoria Scontras | Chief Nursing Officer | Inpatient rehabilitation nursing, nursing quality, and education; Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse with 13+ years of experience. |

markdown | Special Program | Details | |-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance | Free or discounted care for uninsured or underinsured patients based on eligibility. Discounts apply to emergency and medically necessary care. Households under 204% of the Federal Poverty Level generally qualify for free care. Applications include supporting documents and follow the hospital´s Financial Assistance Policy. | | In-Home Evaluation | No-cost in-home evaluation service available to assess rehabilitation needs and determine eligibility for care. | | Stroke Support Group | Monthly support group for stroke patients and their families, held on the first Monday of the month from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at the hospital in the Brighton Room. | | Day Rehabilitation Program | Outpatient therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, customized to individual needs. Focus on improving mobility, independence, and communication. | | Palliative and Supportive Care | Dedicated case managers coordinate care with clinicians, providing emotional and social support to patients and families during treatment. | | Maine Acquired Brain Injury NeuroResource Facilitation Program | A personalized support program providing services for patients with brain injuries, in collaboration with Maine DHHS. | | Charity Care Advocacy | Help with charity care applications for patients unable to pay their medical bills. Families under 322% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for discounted care. |

markdown | Payment Plan Type | Description | Additional Details | |---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Charity Care | Financial assistance for eligible low-income patients, potentially canceling bills. | Based on income thresholds.| | Interest-Free Installments | Monthly payment plans with 0% interest for up to 48 months. | Flexible durations possible.| | Custom Payment Structures | Tailored payment plans depending on individual financial situations. | Available upon request. | | Third-Party Financing | Partnered with financial institutions offering extended payment terms. | May include variable rates.| | Crowdfunding Assistance | Guidance on using platforms like GoFundMe to manage high costs. | Free consultation provided.|

| Department/Service | Details | |--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Counseling Services | The hospital provides financial counseling services through its Financial Assistance Policy, offering free or discounted care for uninsured or underinsured patients. | | Treatment Cost Guidance | Yes, the hospital provides guidance on treatment costs and available financial support options before starting care. | | Financial Assistance Policy Details | The hospital policy includes financial assistance, billing and collection guidelines, and a summary in plain language. | | Discount and Free Care | Discounts or free care are available for medically necessary treatments for eligible patients based on income levels. | | Eligibility Screening | Eligibility for assistance is determined using Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines, with specific income thresholds provided for free or discounted care. | | Free Resources for Applications | Applications for financial assistance, including guidance and eligibility screening, are supported by patient advocates with no fees. | | Billing and Collections Process | Patients have 240 days from the first bill to apply for financial assistance even if sent to collections, as per the hospital’s policy. |

markdown | Category | Details | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Physical Accessibility | Fully wheelchair-accessible facility, accessible restrooms, ramps, and elevators. | | Assistive Devices | Wheelchair seating specialists, orthotics (bracing experts), and therapy equipment tailored for patient needs. | | Communication Aids | Speech-language pathology services, translation services, telecommunications devices (TDDs), hearing amplification equipment upon request. | | Priority Services | Specialized rehabilitation programs for neurological disorders, brain injury, stroke, amputee rehabilitation, and pediatric rehabilitation with tailored care. | | Staff Training | Multidisciplinary staff trained in inclusive care, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and certified nurses. |

Department	Digital Health Services	Support for Patient Care
Telemedicine Options	- Real-time HD teleconferencing - Remote consultations with specialists - Use of telemedicine equipment such as stethoscopes, otoscopes, and dermatoscopes - Mental health and pulmonology telemedicine sessions - Fully encrypted sessions for HIPAA compliance	- Reduces geographic barriers to specialty care - Offers mental health access for inpatients - Connects patients with specialists while limiting travel
Online Consultation Platforms	- MyEncompass Health Caregiver App - Virtual consultation sessions - Coordination of care with primary caregivers	- Tracks personalized therapy programs and goals - Enhances communication between caregivers and patients - Monitors therapy progress and discharge planning
Patient Portals	- MyEHC Records powered by HealtheLife - Easy access to medical records, therapy notes, and patient education	- Ensures transparency in treatment - Provides patients with essential medical information for continuity of care - Supports post-discharge follow-up and education
Remote Monitoring Tools	- Use of advanced telemedicine peripherals - In-home evaluations for rehabilitation needs	- Allows for personalized and ongoing assessments - Facilitates proactive adjustments to therapy plans - Supports patient independence through continuous care

Department	Educational Opportunities
Brain Injury	Neurological disorder training including rehabilitation techniques, support groups, and patient case management.
Cardiology	Training in cardiac care as part of rehabilitation processes, including patient monitoring and management during recovery.
Orthopedics	Hands-on practice with rehabilitation techniques for amputees, joint replacement, and hip fracture recovery.
Physical Therapy	Focused training on improving patient mobility, strength, and independence, utilizing advanced therapeutic equipment and techniques.
Spinal Cord Injury	Specialty rotations focusing on spinal cord injury cases, therapy methods, and interdisciplinary care participation.
Stroke	Classes on stroke rehabilitation strategies, team-based patient care, and participation in certified stroke programs.
Speech Therapy	Practical training in addressing communication disorders and swallowing issues through specialized therapy sessions.
Occupational Therapy	Training in day-to-day skill recovery for patients, including bathing, dressing, and task management.

Department	Clinical Trials	Development of New Treatments/Devices	Impact on Healthcare Professionals
Neurology	Participation in NIH-funded RECOVER clinical trials focusing on long COVID, including treatments for exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise (PEM).	Collaborative development of structured pacing programs for PEM and personalized cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for long COVID patients.	Enhanced expertise in managing long COVID symptoms and participation in cutting-edge clinical research.
Oncology	Integration with NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) for clinical cancer trials at various stages.	Research in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship care delivery targeting underserved populations.	Opportunities for career development in oncology research and access to advanced cancer care protocols.
Rehabilitation	Continuous patient-specific physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinical advancements.	Development of individualized rehab plans using real-world simulation and advanced therapies.	Improved skills in designing customized rehabilitation strategies, leveraging advanced therapeutic technologies.

Department	Affiliations	Professional Development
Brain Injury Rehabilitation	The Joint Commission – Disease-Specific Care Certified	Support group facilitation and training for caregivers
Hip Fracture Rehabilitation	The Joint Commission – Gold Seal of Approval®	Workshops on geriatric-focused rehabilitation best practices
Neurological Disorders	Affiliated with Encompass Health and Maine Medical Center	Neurological rehabilitation seminars and skill-building activities
Amputee Rehabilitation	The Joint Commission – Gold Seal of Approval®	Specialized training programs in prosthetic rehabilitation
Cardiac Care	Encompass Health Partnership	Workshops on cardiac rehabilitation techniques and care coordination
Stroke Rehabilitation	The Joint Commission – Disease-Specific Care Certified	Nursing Residency Program via Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

Department	Certification	Accreditation Body
Amputee Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification	The Joint Commission
Brain Injury Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification	The Joint Commission
Hip Fracture Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification	The Joint Commission
Stroke Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification	The Joint Commission

Department	Opportunity
Allied Health	Observation and involvement in rehabilitation care under mentorship, includes exposure to multidiscipline collaboration.
Clinical Education	Clinical rotations and simulation-based training in a realistic hospital-like environment for nursing and allied health students.
Nursing	Hands-on training opportunities in inpatient and outpatient care, emphasizing evidence-based practices.
Occupational Therapy	Observation and practice in patient care targeting recovery and skill-building for daily activities.
Physical Therapy	Exposure to patient care with mentoring in rehabilitation methods for physical recovery.
Speech Therapy	Internship opportunities in speech and communication therapies, focusing on patient-centered care.

Award	Description
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®	Earned for Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation, Hip Fracture Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, and Amputee Rehabilitation.
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) of the Year	Awarded to Abigail Pease in 2023 for exemplifying nursing standards of care, clinical expertise, and patient care.
HAVE Community Service Award	Received for Brain Injury Voices, a volunteer group focused on education, advocacy, and peer mentoring for brain injury survivors.

Department	Specialty Training/Residency Opportunities
Brain Injury Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification in Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Amputee Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification in Amputee Rehabilitation
Orthopedics	Included in Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Training
Stroke Rehabilitation	Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation
Cardiopulmonary	Included in Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Training
Pediatrics	Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Training in Pediatric Rehabilitation
Oncology	Included in Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Training
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation	Specialty in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Neurology	Available as part of training for Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency
Inpatient Rehabilitation	Customized inpatient training opportunities
Critical Care	Clinical practice exposure in Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency
Emergency Medicine	Clinical exposure included in Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency
Burn and Soft Tissue	Part of Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency training

Department	Residency/Specialty Training Program
Acute Care	Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency
Brain Injury Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Pediatric Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Amputee Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Orthopedics	No specific residency program listed
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Oncology Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed
Stroke Rehabilitation	No specific residency program listed

markdown | Department | Services/Support Options for Uninsured Patients | |----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance Programs | - Free or discounted emergency and medically necessary care for eligible patients under the Financial Assistance Policy.
- Assistance available for patients earning below 204%-322% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Applications require supporting documents. | | Payment Plans & Discounts | - Income-based discounted care based on Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
- Sliding scale discounts for payment responsibilities within 240 days from billing. | | Emergency Care Guarantees | - Free or discounted emergency care provided to uninsured/underinsured patients.
- Eligible patients cannot be charged more than insured patients for the same care. | | Application Guidance | - Assistance available to complete applications for financial aid either directly or via patient advocates.
- Documentation such as income verification required. | | Alternative Insurance Support | - Guidance to apply for other insurance programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare).
- Collaboration with patients to explore all payment sources. | | Charity Care | - Bill forgiveness and charity care for those unable to pay.
- Families earning below specified thresholds based on family size may qualify. | | Miscellaneous Support | - Financial assistance documents available online and in admitting areas.
- Multi-language support for policy documents available upon request.
- 24/7 support for eligibility and billing inquiries via the hospital´s finance office. |

Department	Research Institution / Lab	Collaborations	Affiliated Universities / Research Centers
Brain Injury Rehabilitation	NIH StrokeNet - New England Regional Coordination Center (NERCC)	Collaboration on stroke and brain injury recovery trials	Massachusetts General Hospital, Maine Medical Center, University of Vermont Medical Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Cardiology	Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network (NNE-CTR)	Research for improving health in rural communities, including heart disease treatments	MaineHealth Institute for Research, University of Vermont, University of Southern Maine
Neurorehabilitation	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital	Development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and advanced therapeutic techniques	Spaulding Rehabilitation Network in collaboration with Maine Medical Center and Encompass Health
Physical Therapy	University of New England Center for Excellence in Neurosciences	Advancing research in neurosciences and pain management	University of New England

markdown | Department | Mentorship/Advisory Program | Structured Mentorship Details | |-----------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Brain Injury Rehabilitation | Peer mentoring services through "Brain Injury Voices" volunteer group | Survivor volunteers provide direct peer support for new patients and caregivers | | Healthcare IT (NE HIMSS Chapter) | HIMSS Mentorship Program | Annual structured matchmaking between mentors and mentees focusing on career development and health IT skills. Meetings frequency determined by pairs, with evaluations and optional re-matching. | | Graduate Medical Education (GME) | Cross-specialty mentoring in residency and fellowship programs | Structured mentorships with voluntary mentors, mentee pairing, facilitated meetings, and relationship reviews. Covers multiple specialties. | | Nursing | Be1Support1 Mentorship Program | Individualized mentorship for new-graduate nurses with tenure-based benefits. Emphasis on professional communication, confidence-building, and skill transition for up to 2 years. | | Nursing | Comprehensive mentorship programs for new graduates | Includes six-month and one-year structured programs aimed at retention, stress reduction, and confidence building. Guided by trained, experienced mentors. | | Physical & Occupational Therapy | No specific structured mentorship noted | General support provided by professional therapists for skill development and integration into practice. | | General Rehabilitation Services | Stroke Support Group | Peer-led monthly support meetings to provide guidance, shared experiences, and advice. |