On July 10–11 in Portland, Ore., APTA will host the APTA Payment Advocacy Summit, designed to connect APTA member advocates, PT business leaders, payment experts, and key stakeholders focused on one mission: advancing payment for PTs and PTAs.
As payment pressures continue to challenge practice sustainability and patient access, the summit puts APTA's top advocacy priority front and center, focusing on advancing solutions that strengthen payments, reduce administrative burden, and move the profession forward.
"The APTA Payment Advocacy Summit supports the association's top priority of improving payment and empowers physical therapy advocates with the tools to push for change with payers, employers, or their state legislature," said APTA Vice President of Government Affairs Justin Elliott.
Advancing Alternative Care and Payment Models
To help members thrive in an evolving payment landscape, the summit will include programming on alternative care and payment models that reward value, support innovation, and open new economic opportunities for physical therapists. These conversations will highlight how physical therapists can engage in emerging models that reward outcomes, improve care coordination, and elevate the role of PTs and PTAs in the health care system.
Tackling State Payment Challenges Head On
Payment challenges related to commercial plans, Medicaid payment rates, and workers' compensation programs are addressed at the state level; the summit will devote significant attention to recent legislative wins by APTA state chapters that can be replicated in other states. Sessions include state legislation that positions PTs as primary care providers, elevates PTs to physician status under workers' compensation, addresses provider credentialing, improves Medicaid payments, and restricts prior authorization.
A Summit to 'SPARC' Collaboration on Payment
Attendees will also learn how to engage with and participate in the growing advocacy resources and payment collaboration opportunities provided by the State Payment Advocacy Resource Center, or SPARC. An APTA member benefit launched in 2022, SPARC is a joint initiative between APTA, APTA Private Practice, and APTA Orthopedics that offers big-picture as well as more nuts-and-bolts tools for members, clinics, and business owners on payment challenges. With plans to further expand SPARC resources later this year, the summit will teach attendees how to leverage SPARC in their payment efforts.
The Role of AI in Health Care Delivery
In addition to addressing today's challenges, the summit will examine the fast-growing role of artificial intelligence and its impact on providers, payers, and patients. This session explores the opportunities and challenges facing physical therapy providers as AI shapes the future of care delivery and practice management.
Where Relationships Drive Payment Progress
Just as important as the sessions themselves are the connections made throughout the summit. Learning labs, idea exchanges, a PTPAC kickoff party on Friday evening, and a social event on Saturday night are designed to foster networking and build relationships that strengthen advocacy, align strategies, and help turn ideas into action.
Save Your Seat
Registration is now open, and capacity is limited. Members are encouraged to register early to secure a seat at the table and engage directly with the leaders shaping payment policy and reimbursement strategies.
Thank you to our sponsors Athelas, Fusion by Ensora Health, HPSO, Medbridge, Prompt, and Virtual Rockstar.