Physical therapists who bill Medicare for outpatient physical therapy services in private practice settings (using the 1500 claim form or 837-P) can obtain a 0.5% bonus payment in 2013 and 2014 if they report on quality measures under a program, referred to as the "Physician Quality Reporting System." The Affordable Care Act makes a number of changes to the Physician Quality Reporting System, including authorizing incentive payments through 2014 and requiring a penalty, beginning in 2015 for professionals who do not satisfactorily report.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the use of the calendar year 2013 reporting period to inform the 2015 payment adjustment. Eligible professionals, including physical therapists that do not satisfactorily report data on quality measures for the January 1, 2013-December 31, 2013 reporting period, will be subject to the 1.5% adjustment in their fee schedule amount in 2015.
Be sure to review the 2013 PQRS Measure updates.
General Information
Getting Started with PQRS
2013 PQRS Measure Details
Discussion Forum