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CMS is about to impose payment cuts that reduce patient access to PTs and PTAs. Congress must act soon, and your voice matters!
The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021 is calling for an estimated 9% decrease in payment for codes tied to Part B physical therapist services.
Over the past year, APTA and our members have sent thousands of letters to CMS raising concerns about these cuts and providing recommendations to address the problem. CMS has not responded.
We're now calling on Congress to prevent these cuts, which will reduce patient access and create instability in the health care system.
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 planned cut from CMS as a dangerous and shortsighted move that will harm patients and shutter clinic doors.
Take Action Now
Please join us in fighting these cuts. Congress must act soon, and your voice matters!
For APTA Members to Contact Congress
Use APTA's Legislative Action Center to send a letter to your representatives.
For the Public to Contact Congress
Encourage your patients, colleagues, friends, and family to contact their members of Congress.
For APTA Members and the Public to Contact CMS
Congress isn't the only group that needs to hear from you. We need your help to contact CMS and urge them to work with Congress to prevent these deep cuts to physical therapy providers. Access template letters for contacting CMS on our Regulatory Action Center.
Stay Up to Date
APTA members can join the APTA Advoacy Network for free to receive action alerts on federal legislative issues, and more.
Recommended Content
Aug 04, 2020 / Review
The proposed rule highlights the need for legislative action to give CMS more latitude in budgets and telehealth provisions.
Aug 04, 2020 / Statement
CMS recommends significant payment reductions to more than three dozen health care provider groups for in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule.
Jul 15, 2020 / News
The latest sign-on letter points to the ways care would suffer in an environment already challenged by a pandemic.
May 11, 2020 / Open Access
CMS is attempting to make adjustments to Medicare Part B by reducing fee schedule payment for codes tied to physical therapy.
Feb 01, 2020
The MPPR policy implements a 50% payment reduction to the practice expense value of certain CPT codes deemed "always therapy services."
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
Apr 17, 2020 / News
APTA is urging lawmakers to look at both short- and long-term solutions.
Feb 10, 2020 / Perspective
It can be a challenge to keep up even if you’re working hard to pay attention.
Feb 05, 2020 / News
Congress wants answers related to CMS plans to cut payment in 2021.
Feb 01, 2020 / Column
Changes for 2020 include new codes for dry needling and changes to a number of existing codes.
Nov 04, 2019 / News
A major win, and a major challenge: that's what APTA and the profession are facing with CMS' release of the 2020 fee schedule.
Sep 27, 2019 / News
APTA is fighting a "nonsensical" and "arbitrary" plan to cut physical therapy reimbursement by 8% in 2021.
Sep 18, 2018 / News
One CMS attempt to reduce administrative burdens is likely to result in reduced access to care for some of the sickest Medicare beneficiaries.