As provisions of the new law take effect, PTs had best adopt quality measures and learn more about innovative care-delivery models being created in their communities.
After years of advocacy by physical therapists (PTs) and other health care professionals, Congress earlier this year passed the Medicare Access and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA)1 to repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula.
This legislation, signed into law by President Obama on April 16, was the last in a long line of annual temporary "fixes" that since 2003 had prevented a large payment cut for PTs and other health care professionals from taking effect. MACRA also further extends the therapy cap exceptions process to December 31, 2017, and includes numerous other provisions affecting PTs. It lays the groundwork for significant changes to Medicare reimbursement for PTs and other health care professionals over the next decade and beyond.