Skip to main content

Excessive time and resources spent on documentation and administrative tasks can hurt patient outcomes.

Coding and billing, prior authorization, utilization review, excessive documentation standards, overly complex health IT—the unnecessary hoops PTs are required to jump through demand time and energy that could be focused instead on providing patient-centered care. Reduced administrative burden is something that needs to happen in every practice setting and payer, both commercial and federal.

Why It Matters

An APTA survey of members found that nearly 75 percent of respondents believe that administrative burdens such as prior authorization delay access to medically necessary care by 25%, and nearly as many agreed that these burdens negatively impact patient outcomes. More than 8 in 10 said that administrative burden contributes to burnout. And unnecessary burden is costly: our survey found that more than 75% of facilities have added nonclinical staff to accommodate administrative burden.

Care is being shortchanged. Providers are being pushed to their limits. Facilities are being forced to redirect money away from direct care to pay for unnecessary paperwork. It's time for a change.

Our position

APTA vigorously works to fight excessive administrative burden in whatever form it takes, and in all payment systems.


Recommended Content

Position Paper: Remove Duplicative Unnecessary Clerical Exchanges Act

Mar 21, 2024 / Position Paper

The Impact of Administrative Burden on Physical Therapist Services

Mar 7, 2023 / Infographic

Position Paper: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care

Aug 28, 2024 / Position Paper

APTA Survey: Administrative Burdens Delay Access, Affect Outcomes

Jul 1, 2019 / News


Additional Administrative Burden Advocacy Content

CMS Streamlines Approval Processes for Outpatient Clinics

Sep 12, 2024 / News

Updates to the agency's State Operations Manual make it easier to apply for certifications of primary and extension sites.

APTA-Backed Bill Presses for Reforms on Prior Authorization Under MA

Jun 20, 2024 / News

Bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing administrative burden has been reintroduced in the U.S. House and Senate.

APTA-Backed Senate Resolution Focuses on 'Epidemic of Burnout' in Health Care

Mar 12, 2024 / News

The resolution articulates support for reduced administrative burden and better access to mental health care for providers.

APTA-Supported Bill Aims to Eliminate a Medicare Plan of Care Burden

Feb 8, 2024 / News

Bipartisan legislation introduced in the House would relieve PTs from having to pursue signed plans of care from referring physicians.

Now's Your Chance: Four Reasons to Comment on the Proposed 2024 Fee Schedule

Aug 22, 2023 / Roundup

It's not all about the cuts. CMS is also signaling the possibility of some major positive changes — and your opinion matters.

UHC to Lift Prior Authorization Requirements for a Range of Codes

Aug 18, 2023 / News

The changes, which affect outpatient physical therapy, DME, and home care, are part of a UHC effort to reduce administrative burden.

Administrative Burden Win: UnitedHealthcare Walks Back Plan of Care Change

Jul 26, 2023 / News

UHC has dropped a signoff requirement that sparked concerns from APTA.

APTA-Backed PTA Supervision Bill Introduced

Jul 26, 2023 / News

The legislation would achieve APTA's goal of ending the Medicare direct supervision mandate for private practice.

APTA Chapters Fuel State-Level Wins

Jul 24, 2023 / Roundup

Growing participation in the PT Compact, expanded direct access, ability to order imaging, limits on prior authorization, and more.

APTA, ASHA, AOTA to Congress: Let's Take on the Fee Schedule — Here's How

Jun 28, 2023 / News

Along with APTA Private Practice, the associations have a plan for reform that could dramatically alter the Medicare payment landscape.