It's hard to overstate the Medicare-related changes that many physical therapists (PTs) will be facing come January, now that the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has adopted a final rule that includes eligible PTs in the agency's comprehensive Quality Payment Program (QPP). There's a lot to learn about the new value-based payment system, and PT in Motion magazine can help you get started.

In "Moving Toward Quality Payment" in the November issue of PT in Motion, author Christine Lehmann breaks down the QPP into its 2 paths, particularly focusing on the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and its reporting requirements. The article includes an easy-to-follow decision tree that helps you understand whether you'll be required to participate in MIPS, and, if not, whether you should consider voluntary participation (hint: APTA thinks it's a good idea).

Lehmann's piece also covers the other QPP path, advanced alternative payment models, as well as the ways in which APTA's Physical Therapy Outcomes Registry could serve as an important resource for PTs moving to value-based payment systems. Sidebars to the article include information on the elimination of functional limitation reporting requirements, and a list of additional APTA resources to help you get up to speed on the changes ahead.

"Moving Toward Quality Payment" is featured in the November Issue of PT in Motion magazine and is open to all viewers—pass it along to nonmember colleagues to show them one of the benefits of belonging to APTA. Printed editions of the magazine are mailed to all members who have not opted out; digital versions are available online to members.