ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 1, 2009 – Medicare beneficiaries who need
physical therapist services would find it easier and more efficient to
obtain treatment under legislation introduced yesterday in the US House
of Representatives. The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists
Act (HR 1829), introduced by Representatives Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Tim
Murphy (R-PA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), would allow physical therapists
to evaluate and treat Medicare Part B beneficiaries who require
outpatient physical therapy services, in states in which direct access
is authorized, without a physician's referral or certification of the
plan of care.
"Direct access under Medicare would remove unnecessary barriers to
the cost-effective rehabilitation services provided by physical
therapists," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "Currently these
health care consumers, which include seniors and people with
disabilities, often have the greatest need for physical therapy services
and experience unnecessary burdens to access these services. The
referral/certification process can often cause delays that can impede a
patient's ability to achieve his or her optimal functional outcome. In
light of today's economic environment, timely access to cost-effective
physical therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries is critical."
Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia have eliminated the
physician referral requirement for patients to access physical
therapists for an evaluation, while 44 states and DC allow access to
some form of physical therapy treatment without referral. This
legislation would defer to the state law on access regarding physical
therapy.
"Requiring Medicare patients to get a physician referral before they
can see a physical therapist puts an undue burden on residents of rural
areas who often travel long distances just to see their doctor,"
Representative Pomeroy said. "Removing the physician referral
requirement would save valuable time and money for Medicare patients in
North Dakota and across the country."
Representative Murphy added, "Eliminating barriers to patient choice
has been an ongoing effort of mine both in the Pennsylvania State Senate
and now in Congress. The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists
Act eliminates the burden of unnecessary visits to physicians for
patients to access physical therapy care. Delaying this care not only
results in higher costs but unnecessary pain and frustration from
patients. Right now, the United States Department of Defense allows
licensed physical therapists to act as primary care providers for
military personnel and their dependents without an initial physician
referral. We should extend this option to Medicare patients, and this
bill does just that."
"Health care delivery must be a collaborative and cooperative
effort," said Representative Baldwin. "This legislation acknowledges the
important roles of physical therapists in patient care and of individual
states in influencing health care policy. As we strive to improve the
quality of care, increase accessibility, and lower costs, allowing
states to give Medicare patients direct access to physical therapists is
one piece of the solution. I'm proud to co-sponsor HR 1829 and will work
hard to see it included in our health care reform package this
year."
A Senate companion bill is expected to be introduced in the next
several weeks.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects
of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 70,000 physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical
therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of
life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist
practice. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with
a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about
conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist
in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.