A physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) student-led "flash action strategy" (FAS) held last week was all about stopping the Medicare therapy cap.

And once again, students showed how enthusiasm for the profession can make a real difference.

In the middle of packed semesters, students from dozens of schools across the country participated in a nationwide effort to press for repeal of the therapy cap. Primarily using social media, participants concentrated their efforts during a 48-hour window of intense messaging, September 12-13. Between an early alert on September 11 and some final action the morning of September 14, more than 10,000 emails, letters, faxes, and phone calls went out to members of Congress via APTA's Legislative Action Center and Patient Action Center. The latter, where consumers can contact their members of Congress, saw a nice uptick in registrations during the FAS, largely thanks to APTA members encouraging nonmember colleagues, family, friends, and patients to participate.

Even though the FAS is over, APTA still needs members' efforts toward repeal of the therapy cap by year-end. That's when the latest extension of the exceptions processes expires, and the hard cap on Medicare payment for outpatient physical therapy services will be implemented. The Medicare Therapy Cap webpage explains how to email and meet with legislators, download the APTA Action app, and join the APTA PTeam to receive updates and alerts.

PT and PTA students will bring their energy and excitement to the upcoming APTA National Student Conclave, set for October 19-21 in Portland, Oregon.