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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 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
Dec 2, 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.
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.
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.
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
Dec 10, 2021 / News
The package, which combines additional funding and delays to planned cuts, will be signed into law before year's end.
Dec 8, 2021 / News
The APTA-supported package readied for the Senate includes an offset to the payment cuts and delays in other reductions.
Dec 1, 2021 / Members Only
Dec. 1, 2021: Topics discussed: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Vaccine Mandates, Commercial Payer Updates
Nov 29, 2021 / News
Lawmakers are back. A bill has been introduced that could offset the cuts. It's time to make this happen.
Nov 22, 2021 / News
Bipartisan legislation is now in the U.S. House. Use APTA's Action Centers to tell Congress to act.
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.
Oct 18, 2021 / News
In an APTA-supported letter to House leadership, a bipartisan group of lawmakers calls for immediate relief and longer-term fixes.
Oct 13, 2021 / News
The SMART Act would delay implementation, spare rural and underserved areas, and relieve PTA supervision burdens.
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.