A third-party provider network manager in California has changed the ways it works with physical therapists (PTs), thanks to a successful settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit brought forward by the Independent Physical Therapists of California (iPTCA).

The original lawsuit alleged that One Call Care Management engaged in a number of unfair business practices around referral for PT services. Under a settlement reached in late 2017, One Call has been directed to modify its patient referral and authorization process, increase transparency around its scoring of physical therapists, and enhance its electronic billing and payment system. A summary of the changes included in the settlement is now available.

One Call began implementing the payment policy changes, which are specific to California, in February. APTA and the California Chapter endorsed the lawsuit, which also received donations from the Private Practice Section of APTA. Individuals who have compliance disputes should email iPTCA at admin@iptca.org.