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Excessive time and resources spent on documentation and administrative tasks can hurt patient outcomes.

Coding and billing, prior authorization, utilization review, excessive documentation standards, overly complex health IT—the unnecessary hoops PTs are required to jump through demand time and energy that could be focused instead on providing patient-centered care. Reduced administrative burden is something that needs to happen in every practice setting and payer, both commercial and federal.

Why It Matters

An APTA survey of members found that nearly 75 percent of respondents believe that administrative burdens such as prior authorization delay access to medically necessary care by 25%, and nearly as many agreed that these burdens negatively impact patient outcomes. More than 8 in 10 said that administrative burden contributes to burnout. And unnecessary burden is costly: our survey found that more than 75% of facilities have added nonclinical staff to accommodate administrative burden.

Care is being shortchanged. Providers are being pushed to their limits. Facilities are being forced to redirect money away from direct care to pay for unnecessary paperwork. It's time for a change.

Our position

APTA vigorously works to fight excessive administrative burden in whatever form it takes, and in all payment systems.


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Additional Administrative Burden Advocacy Content

Members-Only Payment Advocacy Resource Collection Grows

Mar 21, 2023 / News

The resource center, created by APTA and APTA Private Practice, now offers information on MPPR, the PTA differential, and more.

Prior Authorization: 5 Ways CMS Changes Could Open up Future Possibilities

Mar 7, 2023 / Article

The proposed rules would help ease immediate burdens, but there are also long-game reasons to voice your support by March 13.

Advocacy in Action: Prior Authorization Comment Letters from Members, Part 3

Mar 6, 2023 / Article

We're sharing real-world examples of what makes for a great comment letter. This installment: an APTA payment chair's perspective.

How to Use Your Voice to Fix Prior Authorization at CMS

Mar 3, 2023 / Article

This is a don't-miss opportunity to #FixPriorAuth. Here's a recap of how you can join the effort. (Spoiler alert: It's easy.)

State Legislative Update, 2023: PT Compact, Improved Direct Access, and More

Mar 1, 2023 / Roundup

It's looking like a busy year for state legislatures, with the potential for some good news for the profession. Now's your chance to help.

Prior Authorization Comment Letters From APTA Members, Part 2

Feb 27, 2023 / Article

We're sharing real-world examples of what makes for a great comment letter. This installment: an experienced PT's perspective.

Prior Authorization Comment Letters From APTA Members, Part 1

Feb 22, 2023 / Article

We're sharing real-world examples of what makes for a great comment letter. This installment: a pediatric PT's perspective.

Aetna Drops Prior Authorization in Five States

Feb 15, 2023 / News

The decision offers PTs the opportunity to show how reduced administrative burden can be good for everyone (payers included).

Report: Prior Authorization Use Among Medicare Advantage Plans Raises Questions

Feb 14, 2023 / News

In findings that support APTA's advocacy with CMS, an analysis of data from MA firms points to the need for greater transparency.

Significant CMS Prior Authorization Changes on the Horizon: Your Voice Needed

Feb 10, 2023 / News

Don't miss this chance for PTs to make headway in reducing administrative burden.