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CMS wants to impose even more payment cuts that reduce patient access to PTs and PTAs. We can't let that happen. Make your voice heard.
The final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021 called for an estimated 9% decrease in payment for codes tied to Part B physical therapist services. Congressional action in late December 2020 reduced that cut to an estimated 3% decrease. But the story doesn't end there.
Additional Medicare cuts are on the horizon beginning in 2022—and that's not counting the Medicare payment differential for services furnished in whole or in part by PTAs. The monumental damage from the cuts won't be limited to Medicare: Care for military veterans will suffer when PTs who provide community care, or who participate in TRICARE, are forced into the same unsustainable reimbursement rates. The cuts will make it impossible for many PTs to continue to provide care, creating physical therapy deserts in communities across the country.
Why It Matters
We should be encouraging access to PTs and PTAs, who can prevent falls, opioid use, and costly procedures. Instead, CMS is creating barriers. These cuts never made sense. During a pandemic, they’re even more devastating.
Our Position
APTA strenuously opposes any attempt to reduce payment for physical therapy under Medicare. 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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Recommended Content
Mar 15, 2021 / Handouts
This handout shows how the impact of payment reduction can reduce the supply of physical therapist services.
Jan 15, 2021 / Resource
2021 brings numerous changes to Medicare regulation related to telehealth, the Physician Fee Schedule payment, NCCI edits, and the Quality Payment Program.
Feb 1, 2020
The MPPR policy implements a 50% payment reduction to the practice expense value of certain CPT codes deemed "always therapy services."
Aug 11, 2020 / Comment Letters
93 bipartisan members of Congress have signed a letter saying these Medicare cuts will be "devastating for providers and will ultimately result in decreased access to care for patients."
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
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.
Dec 23, 2020 / News
While the bill approved by Congress falls short on a full offset of a planned Medicare cut, it does offer help other areas.
Dec 22, 2020 / News
A COVID relief bill came up short, leaving the profession and other provider groups facing less severe but still "unsustainable" reductions.
Dec 21, 2020 / Statement
The COVID-19 relief package falls short of ensuring patient access, and a 3.6% cut threatens the viability of providers who offer safe, cost-effective care.
Dec 11, 2020 / News
Legislation that would provide additional payment is now in both houses of Congress — call your lawmaker today.