Physical therapists are encouraged to attend a conference call hosted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on December 12, 1:30 pm ET, that will cover the new functional reporting requirements for outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services, effective January 1, 2013.

Participants will learn how to report patient functional limitation information on claims using the 42 new nonpayable functional G-codes and 7 new severity/complexity modifiers on claims for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services. These G-codes and modifiers will be required on selected claims for all outpatient therapy services. In addition, the G-codes and severity modifiers used in the functional reporting are required to be documented in the patient's medical record of therapy services. To ensure a smooth transition, CMS sets forth a testing period from January 1, 2013, until July 1, 2013. After July 1, 2013, claims submitted without the appropriate G-codes and modifiers would be returned unpaid.

The call will include an overview of the new functional reporting requirement, including effective dates, and information on:

• professionals and providers affected
• nonpayable G-codes used to report functional limitations
• modifiers used to report the severity of functional limitations
• when reporting is required
• documentation requirements

A question and answer session also will be held.  

The speaker for this call is Pamela R. West, PT, DPT, MPH.

The presentation for the call will be posted at least 1 day in advance of the call on the FFS National Provider Calls webpage. In addition, the link to the slide presentation will be e-mailed to all registrants on the day of the call.

Registration will close at 12:00 pm ET on the day of the call, or when available space has been filled.