Rachel

Prusynski

PhD

Bio

Education:
PhD in Rehabilitation Science (Health Services & Policy Focus): University of Washington
Doctorate in Physical Therapy: University of Puget Sound
Undergraduate BS & BA: University of Portland

Rachel Prusynski is a neurologic physical therapist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Together with Tracy Mroz, Rachel co-directs the UW Advancing Health Services & Policy In Rehabilitation (ASPIRe) Lab: https://sites.uw.edu/aspirelab/.

Rachel’s research uses large data analysis, primarily with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrative data, to examine intersections between health and reimbursement policy, therapy practice, and patient outcomes. Rachel focuses on post-acute care, especially Skilled Nursing Facilities, but also has clinical and research experience in Acute Care and Home Health.

Rachel is a Learning Health System scholar with BAYADA Home Health and serves as coinvestigator of the Post-Acute Care Policy Impact Study, an NIA R01 which examines the impact of Medicare post-acute care payment reform on access to services and patient outcomes. Rachel is also forming collaborations with the UW PAC Network and local Skilled Nursing Facility administrators and therapists to inform clinically relevant research.

The ASPIRe lab is multidisciplinary and is open to collaborating with other researchers at UW using ASPIRe lab Medicare data.

Health Systems-Related Activities

Education

• Other: DPT Program

Mentorship

• Policy
• Research

Policy

• National – Professional Society: American Physical Therapy Association
• National – Other: AcademyHealth

Research

• Outcomes
• Health Services
• Policy