APTA has posted a summary of the recent National Coverage Analysis Proposed Decision Memo from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). For patients meeting the specified definition of CLBP in the memo, CMS proposes coverage only when those patients are enrolled in a clinical study. The clinical study must address whether TENS provides a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, improvement in function, or reduction in other treatments or services. In addition, the study must adhere to specified standards of scientific integrity and relevance to the Medicare population.

CMS will accept public comment on this proposed decision memo through April 12. APTA will submit comments on behalf of membership.

The summary is available to APTA members on the Medicare Coverage Issues webpage under the "TENS" heading.

The articles in this month's PTJ demonstrate documentation of effectiveness of current physical therapy interventions, proposed novel interventions, and the application of knowledge to different patient populations. As you listen to this month's Craikcast, keep in mind that—as  illustrated in the article by Wiles, Matricciani, Williams, and Olds—in 1945, the typical paper in PTJ  was anecdotal, authored by 1.4 US authors who worked in hospitals, and consisted of 4 pages and 4 references. In 2010, the typical paper used a cross-sectional survey or randomized controlled trial design, with 4.6 authors working in universities across the globe, and consisted of 12 pages and 49 references.

APTA invites members to participate in this year's photo contest. Each photo submitted should reflect physical therapy practice, education, or research. Winning entries should:

• Reflect the full scope of practice and depict strides in contemporary physical therapy practice, education, or research.
• Depict models of excellence in a variety of settings.
• Portray a diverse population of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, patients, researchers, faculty, or students.
• Reflect high quality in terms of aesthetics, composition, and technical standards.  

Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges. Winning entries will be displayed at association headquarters, may appear in APTA's online or print publications, and on APTA's website.

The first-place winner will receive $500. The second and third place winners will receive $250 each. No cash prizes will be awarded for honorable mentions. Winners will be announced in a future issue of PT in Motion. Complete contest rules and additional details appear on APTA's website. The contest begins April 2 and ends July 2. Winners will be notified by December 14.

Don't miss out on this outstanding opportunity to help identify and preserve the best in contemporary physical therapy practice, education, and research through your own creativity and initiative.  

In a new online summary, APTA breaks down the final and interim final rules recently issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that update regulations to include the new Medicaid coverage groups created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), simplify eligibility policy for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, streamline the eligibility and enrollment processes, and coordinate eligibility procedures with those of the Affordable Insurance Exchanges.

Highlights of the rules, Medicaid Program: Eligibility Changes Under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, can be found on the Summaries of Health Care Reform Rules & Regulations webpage under the heading "Additional Summaries."

Comments on the interim final rule are due May 7. APTA will comment on these provisions as necessary.

This year, with the recent release of the National Prevention Strategy, National Public Health Week (NPHW) will address the issue of prevention and wellness to ensure that all is being done to improve the nation's health. Strategies will focus on preventing chronic diseases, which cause Americans to miss 2.5 billion days of work year each year; injuries related to violence; and unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, and burns. 

Uniting around this year's theme—A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement—NPHW will work to encourage more Americans and their communities to take preventive measures to help improve their lives. Use NPHW's 2012 toolkit, logos, and other resources to spread the word this week about public health's critical role in making America healthier.