Skip to main content

Need a quick, big-picture take on how Medicare payment works in various settings? The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) offers an updated resource that can help.

Now available for free download: MedPAC's latest version of "Payment Basics," a series of informational sheets that describe the need-to-know elements of 20 different Medicare payment systems. Areas covered include outpatient therapy, skilled nursing facilities, home health services, hospital acute inpatient services, and more. The newest version of the resource updates the 2018 edition.

Most information sheets provide background on how the system is organized and flowcharts for a visual representation of how that particular payment system works.

Quick facts from MedPAC Payment Basics: According to the MedPAC report on outpatient therapy, in 2017 Medicare spent $8 billion on outpatient therapy services, a 6% increase from 2015. Physical therapist services accounted for 72% of all spending in this area. In terms of settings, nursing facilities and physical therapy private practice clinics accounted for 71% of the spending, at 37% and 33%, respectively. Hospitals were next, at 16%.


You Might Also Like...

News

APTA State Chapters Fuel Legislative Wins in 2025

Aug 6, 2025

As the 2025 legislative season has come to a close in most states, many APTA chapters achieved significant victories that improve payment, address provider

Article

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities Open Through Aug. 31

Aug 4, 2025

APTA is powered by members who step up, speak out, and drive the profession forward. Volunteering is not only a chance to influence the future of physical

News

APTA's Ongoing Advocacy on Payment Reform

Aug 4, 2025

Patients and providers are frustrated and angry. A broken Medicare system has failed to deliver high-quality care and provide needed payment levels so