By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
The 2023 fee schedule has pros and cons for physical therapy.
The Issue
The 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule once again includes a significant payment reduction to a number of providers, including to outpatient physical therapists. However, in welcome news for PTA supervision, CMS opens the door to potentially making direct supervision through virtual presence permanent. Finally, CMS called for comments on potentially underutilized services that prevent downstream spending and improve patient outcomes – an excellent opportunity for PTs and PTAs to demonstrate their value.
Why It Matters
These cuts never made sense. During a pandemic, they're even more devastating. However, allowing PTAs to be supervised virtually will greatly increase their ability to access and treat patients. Similarly, CMS' ask for information on valuable preventive services means they are looking to reduce barriers and increase utilization of these types of care. We should be encouraging access to PTs and PTAs, who can aid in recovery from COVID-19, prevent falls, reduce opioid use, and help patients avoid costly procedures.
Our Position
APTA strenuously opposes any attempt to reduce payment for physical therapy under Medicare, and will advocate to both CMS and Congress for temporary and permanent solutions to fee schedule cuts.
Further, while APTA will continue to advocate for supervision of PTAs to be changed to general supervision, permanent adoption of direct supervision through virtual presence would be a welcome step in the right direction.
APTA welcomes CMS' desire to improve access to services that prevent avoidable costs and complications and will advocate that physical therapy is perfectly situated to do just that.
Stay Up to Date
APTA members can join the APTA Advocacy Network for free to receive action alerts on federal legislative issues and more.
Check out more info on the PTA Differential issue on this page.
Recommended Content
Mar 22, 2024 / Position Paper
APTA supports H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., Ami Bera, D-Calif., and Mariannette Miller-Meeks,
Jan 22, 2024 / News
The updated member benefit reflects where payment stands as of Jan. 19. If Congress makes changes, the tool will be updated.
Nov 15, 2023 / Article
Don't overlook the details, of course, but also consider these four broad messages the rule is sending.
Jul 14, 2023 / News
Cuts continue, but APTA's advocacy helped spark positive movement related to PTA supervision, code values, and more.
Jul 28, 2023 / Article
MIPS reporting, value pathways, promoting interoperability, and more.
Additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy Content
Mar 22, 2024 / Position Paper
Enactment of EMPOWER Act would standardize the supervision requirement from direct to general for private practices, help ensure continued patient access to needed therapy services, and give practices more flexibility in meeting needs of beneficiaries.
Mar 8, 2024 / Article
The package includes a 1.68% boost to the fee schedule but falls short of totally eliminating the cut to dozens of providers.
Feb 28, 2024 / News
Describing health care providers as "at a breaking point," 32 senators urge short- and long-term fixes as the next spending deadline looms.
Feb 21, 2024 / Issue Brief
Feb 8, 2024 / News
Bipartisan legislation introduced in the House would relieve PTs from having to pursue signed plans of care from referring physicians.
Jan 19, 2024 / News
The stopgap agreement expires in March, setting up another opportunity to press for a fee schedule fix.
Dec 14, 2023 / News
A new bipartisan bill provides full relief to the 3.4% cuts, but nothing can happen until Congress comes back from recess.
Nov 29, 2023 / Article
Time is running out for Congress to take action on cuts to the 2024 Medicare fee schedule. Are there paths that could lead to relief?
Nov 3, 2023 / News
The projected 3.4% cut is another indication that it's time for reform, but other APTA-backed provisions are good news for the profession.
Sep 8, 2023 / News
APTA seized the opportunity to address the good, the bad, and the unclear.