WASHINGTON, DC, Tuesday, April 1, 2008 — Congressman Frank
Pallone Jr, D-NJ, today discussed health care developments on Capitol
Hill with more than 200 physical therapy advocates gathered in
Washington, DC.
"Improving access to quality health care is a top priority in
Washington and in communities across the United States," said Pallone,
who represents New Jersey's Sixth District and chairs the House Energy
and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health. "The practitioners in
this room fight that battle every day, and I encourage you to demand
action from policymakers to continue that campaign in Congress."
Pallone addressed the gathering of physical therapists, physical
therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy at the American
Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) 2008 Federal Advocacy Forum, an
annual event on Capitol Hill. This year's forum focused on efforts to
find long-term solutions to annual Medicare caps on outpatient
rehabilitation services (S 450/HR 748), make physical therapists who
choose to practice in underserved areas eligible for student-debt relief
(S 2485/HR 1134), and prevent physician self-referral of physical
therapist services. Following two days of educational and grassroots
programming, participants met with members of Congress and staff to
demand action on these issues.
"Congressman Pallone is a strong supporter of improving patient
access to health care services, including physical therapy," said APTA
President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "The American Physical Therapy
Association appreciates his efforts and his call for continued health
care advocacy."
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and
manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have
medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily
lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of
care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce
pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also
work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing
fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active
lifestyles.
The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) is a
national organization representing physical therapists, physical
therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster
advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research.
Consumers can visit www.findapt.us to find a physical therapist in their
area, as well as www.apta.org/consumer for physical therapy news and
information.