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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.
Recommended Content
Mar 7, 2023 / Infographic
Share this infographic that demonstrates how the amount of time and resources spent on documentation and administrative tasks impacts patient clinical outcomes.
Jul 15, 2021 / Position Paper
Bipartisan legislation that would increase oversight and transparency around the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans and require streamlining and standardization on their use of prior authorization.
Jul 1, 2019 / News
A wide majority of PTs say administrative burden negatively impacts patient outcomes and contributes to clinician burnout.
Additional Administrative Burden Advocacy Content
Mar 21, 2023 / News
The resource center, created by APTA and APTA Private Practice, now offers information on MPPR, the PTA differential, and more.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Feb 15, 2023 / News
The decision offers PTs the opportunity to show how reduced administrative burden can be good for everyone (payers included).
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.
Feb 10, 2023 / News
Don't miss this chance for PTs to make headway in reducing administrative burden.
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