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CMS wants to impose further payment cuts and roll out a flawed payment differential plan for PTAs. We can't let that happen.
The Issue
The proposed 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule includes a significant payment reduction to a number of providers, including to outpatient physical therapy services and implementation of a payment differential for services delivered by PTAs, with no mitigating policies. In addition, CMS declines to add therapy codes to the list of services permanently authorized for telehealth, and does not plan to authorize PTs to use remote therapeutic monitoring codes.
Why It Matters
These cuts never made sense. During a pandemic, they’re even more devastating. We should be encouraging access to PTs and PTAs, who can aid in recovery from COVID-19, prevent falls, reduce opioid use, and help patients avoid costly procedures. Instead, CMS is creating barriers.
Our Position
APTA strenuously opposes any attempt to reduce payment for physical therapy under Medicare, and views the PTA differential policy as a threat to patient access to care that could hit rural and underserved areas especially hard. We view the cut from CMS as a dangerous and shortsighted move that will harm patients and shutter clinic doors.
Stay Up to Date
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Check out more info on the PTA Differential issue on this page.
Recommended Content
Aug 20, 2021 / Article
What you need to know about the cuts' origins, the system that created them, and the ways APTA has been advocating for the profession.
Aug 20, 2021 / Open Access
What you need to know about the system's origins, the law that created it, and the ways APTA has been advocating for the profession.
Jul 22, 2021 / Podcast
The proposed 2022 Medicare fee schedule is here, and as expected, cuts and the PTA differential are moving forward.
Jul 28, 2021 / News
It's time to let CMS know exactly what we think about their proposed 2022 fee schedule. APTA makes it easy.
Aug 24, 2020 / Open Access
The proposed 9% cut: where it came from, what we’re doing, and the importance of your voice.
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
Oct 13, 2021 / News
The SMART Act would delay implementation, spare rural and underserved areas, and relieve PTA supervision burdens.
Aug 13, 2021 / Position Paper
Beginning in January 2022, payment for Medicare Part B services provided by PTAs will be reduced by 15% due to a provision in the Balanced Budget Act of 2018.
Sep 24, 2021 / News
On the heels of APTA's successful grassroots effort aimed at CMS, we're focusing attention on Capitol Hill.
Sep 3, 2021 / Podcast
This podcast provides an advocacy update focusing on the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rules. Where we are—and what needs to happen next.
Aug 31, 2021 / News
The PTA differential and proposed cuts to payment under Medicare put patients at risk. APTA makes it easy for them to speak up.
Aug 27, 2021 / Roundup
Join us on social media for a #FightTheCut rally Sept. 1. In the meantime, here are six ways to better understand what we're fighting.
Aug 20, 2021 / News
Physical therapy is once again facing payment cuts under Medicare. We must fight — and we need your voice.
Aug 18, 2021 / Position Paper
The proposed 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule includes deep cuts to critical services provided by dozens of health care providers, including PTs and PTAs.
Aug 4, 2021 / Roundup
With the proposed rule open for comments and legislators back home, some of our best opportunities are right now.
Aug 4, 2021 / News
A recent letter to House and Senate leaders says it's the wrong system at the wrong time.