Physical Therapists Applaud House Passage Of Medicare Package

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 26 Jun 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) hailed passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (HR 6331) by the US House of Representatives as a significant step forward for seniors and persons with disabilities and encouraged the US Senate to quickly follow suit.

HR 6331 includes provisions for physical therapists and their patients, including legislation to avoid the pending 10.6 percent cut in payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule as well as the expiration of the therapy cap exceptions process on July 1. The House passed this legislation by a 355-59 vote. The legislation will now go to the US Senate for consideration.

"We applaud the House for taking the right steps forward to protect the millions of Medicare patients receiving needed physical therapist services," said APTA President R Scott Ward PT, PhD. "We now urge the US Senate to take action to address the therapy caps issue and prevent serious cuts that could jeopardize beneficiaries' access to care."

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

APTA is a national organization representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can visit http://www.findapt.us to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as http://www.apta.org/consumer for physical therapy news and information.

American Physical Therapy Association