Tech-based PT Genie opens headquarters in Lake Nona

PT Genie, a national provider of homebased physical therapy, has relocated its headquarters from Cleveland, Ohio, to Lake Nona Medical City at GuideWell Innovation Center.

The company uses patented motion sensor devices and software, including an app, that keeps patients connected with their health providers while they exercise at home.

“With the challenges that the COVID-19 crisis has presented, the need for telehealth and remote patient monitoring is greater than ever,” said Dr. Reuben Gobezie, orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of PT Genie, in a news release. “PT Genie is uniquely positioned to provide a solution for all stakeholders in this environment.”

The patients wear small sensors while they exercise, sending data back to the therapist to monitor their progress and provide help. Through an interactive, virtual reality avatar on a tablet, patients are guided to perform exercises, according to the company. The platform provides realtime feedback and the patient’s progress is save in a cloud-based system.

In an interview on Lake Nona’s website, Gobezie said he plans to use the data to learn what rehab protocols will best help patients with their recovery and what exercises work best for each patient based on factors such as age and gender.

The company recently named Orlando resident and UCF graduate Holly Wareheim as its human resources recruitment manager. The company plans to hire for “dozens of tech positions” over the next year,” according to a news release.

In brief...

■ The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions of former Leesburg ophthalmologist who was indicted on 20 counts of Medicare fraud, including performing unneeded laser eye surgery, and ordered to pay $7 million to the federal government. His medical license has been revoked. In 2017, he got 10 years in prison, and the appeals court also rejected Pon’s challenge to his sentence.

■ St. Cloud Regional Medical Center has officially become part of Orlando Health, which acquired the 84-bed hospital from Community Health Systems in April. Prior to the acquisition, Orlando Health had held a 20% interest in the hospital for more than 15 years.

■ GuideWell, the parent company of Florida Blue, has launched a $100,000 challenge for entrepreneurs, nonprofits and other organizations that can identify solutions for addressing health access and health literacy in underserved populations in Florida. Applicants will be selected to present their project in a virtual pitch event this fall. The company also announced $25 million in investments over five years in organizations focused on diversity and health equity.

“We are at a turning point in the historical fight for equal justice, opportunity and better health care for Black people,” said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue, in a news release. “We cannot fulfill our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health without doing the urgent and necessary work to end systemic racism.”

■ HCA Healthcare, the national for-profit hospital companies with several hospitals in Central Florida, has established a free insurance hotline for individuals and families who have lost their health insurance and need to temporary coverage while unemployed. The hotline advisors can help callers with COBRA, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act and other insurance options. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 833-867-8771.

■ The Orlando Orthopaedic Center

Foundation gave $2,500 scholarships to two Central Florida students toward their careers in sports medicine as part of its 1st Annual Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship. The recipients are Lexi Bailey, a recent graduate of Lake Mary High School, who will attend UCF, and

Jackson Andraski, a recent graduate of Lake Nona High School, who will attend the University of Florida.