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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
Jul 16, 2021 / Review
The proposal contains few surprises, setting the stage for intensified advocacy efforts directed at CMS and Capitol Hill.
Jul 22, 2021 / Article
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.
Feb 9, 2020 / Perspective
It can be a challenge to keep up even if you’re working hard to pay attention.
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
Aug 2, 2021 / News
A recent letter to House and Senate leaders is part of a larger advocacy push to avoid a potential crisis in patient access to care.
Jul 7, 2021 / News
CMS is due to release its proposal soon. Here's what you need to know — and how you can fight for physical therapy.
May 19, 2021 / News
In a letter to HHS, 5 House members say a Medicare 15% payment differential for outpatient PTA and OTA services will harm rural areas.
May 11, 2021 / Roundup
We're seizing opportunities to amplify our public policy messages — here's a sampling of some of the issue letters we've signed on to.
Mar 26, 2021 / News
The compromise bill is likely to make it into law, but a lag in enactment could cause some logistical challenges.
Mar 24, 2021 / Roundup
When it comes to CMS, there's no such thing as "off-season." Here's how we're engaging with the agency on multiple fronts.
Mar 19, 2021 / Open Access
At the start of 2021 APTA collaborated with many other medical organizations to initiate communications with the new congress about the shortcomings of the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Feb 8, 2021 / News
The association's #FightTheCut effort, fueled by the APTA community, was recognized for its creativity, inclusiveness, and relevance.
Jan 29, 2021 / Perspective
PTs are facing Medicare payment cuts. But what does that really mean?
Jan 6, 2021 / News
The new conversion factor released by CMS helps to offset the impact of fee schedule reductions for PT providers.