By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
The 2023 fee schedule has pros and cons for physical therapy.
The Issue
The 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule once again includes a significant payment reduction to a number of providers, including to outpatient physical therapists. However, in welcome news for PTA supervision, CMS opens the door to potentially making direct supervision through virtual presence permanent. Finally, CMS called for comments on potentially underutilized services that prevent downstream spending and improve patient outcomes – an excellent opportunity for PTs and PTAs to demonstrate their value.
Why It Matters
These cuts never made sense. During a pandemic, they're even more devastating. However, allowing PTAs to be supervised virtually will greatly increase their ability to access and treat patients. Similarly, CMS' ask for information on valuable preventive services means they are looking to reduce barriers and increase utilization of these types of care. 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.
Our Position
APTA strenuously opposes any attempt to reduce payment for physical therapy under Medicare, and will advocate to both CMS and Congress for temporary and permanent solutions to fee schedule cuts.
Further, while APTA will continue to advocate for supervision of PTAs to be changed to general supervision, permanent adoption of direct supervision through virtual presence would be a welcome step in the right direction.
APTA welcomes CMS' desire to improve access to services that prevent avoidable costs and complications and will advocate that physical therapy is perfectly situated to do just that.
Stay Up to Date
APTA members can join the APTA Advocacy Network for free to receive action alerts on federal legislative issues and more.
Check out more info on the PTA Differential issue on this page.
Recommended Content
Jun 9, 2023 / Position Paper
APTA supports H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., Ami Bera, D-Calif., and Mariannette Miller-Meeks,
Jul 21, 2022 / Issue Brief
This issue brief summarizes how the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule works and provides APTA's analysis of the impact on outpatient physical therapy for 2023.
Jul 11, 2022 / News
A cut to the conversion factor, no changes to telehealth limitations (but a few codes added), a tweak to RVUs, and more.
Jul 12, 2022 / News
MIPS reporting, value pathways, virtual supervision, and more.
Nov 3, 2021 / Review
Despite a few bright spots, the final rule mostly follows the proposed version, making Capitol Hill the only remaining hope for relief.
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
Nov 29, 2023 / Article
Time is running out for Congress to take action on cuts to the 2024 Medicare fee schedule. Are there paths that could lead to relief?
Nov 15, 2023 / Article
Don't overlook the details, of course, but also consider these four broad messages the rule is sending.
Nov 3, 2023 / News
The projected 3.4% cut is another indication that it's time for reform, but other APTA-backed provisions are good news for the profession.
Sep 8, 2023 / News
APTA seized the opportunity to address the good, the bad, and the unclear.
Sep 1, 2023 /
CMS has changed its approach to comment letters and now places higher emphasis on personal insights from individual providers.
Aug 30, 2023 / Roundup
The Sept. 11 comment deadline is fast approaching. Here are some of the most important messages you can deliver to CMS.
Aug 22, 2023 / Roundup
It's not all about the cuts. CMS is also signaling the possibility of some major positive changes — and your opinion matters.
Aug 21, 2023 / Perspective
Federal agencies have changed how they think about the comments they receive. It's in the profession’s best interest to respond to those changes.
Aug 4, 2023 /
The Proposed 2024 Physician Fee Schedule: Takeaways and Advocacy Opportunities
Aug 2, 2023 / Position Paper
Enactment of EMPOWER Act would standardize the supervision requirement from direct to general for private practices, help ensure continued patient access to needed therapy services, and give practices more flexibility in meeting needs of beneficiaries.