Advocacy Blog
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Ellen Strunk and Eva Norman, Co-Chairs of the Joint Government Affairs Committee (JGAC) of APTA Home Health and APTA Geriatrics, are thrilled to introduce five outstanding professionals who have been selected to join the committee. Each brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, advocacy experience, and a passion for shaping policies that improve care for older adults. Get to know the newest members of our advocacy leadership team...
Spring brings rain, blooms, pollen, and if you are a basketball fan - March Madness! In the healthcare world, we have our own Spring Madness. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services {CMS) publish a plethora of proposed rules in the spring for programs that are paid on a fiscal year {FY). This includes proposed rules for hospitals, such as inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient psychiatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospice agencies. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed rules and CMS is required to read and respond to every comment they receive. Members of APTA Geriatrics work in skilled nursing facilities {SNFs) and inpatient rehabilitation facilities {IRFs), so the proposals in this rule, if finalized, will impact their daily lives...
As spring brings renewed energy to Capitol Hill, federal advocacy remains a top priority for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), especially in addressing payment reform. A continuing resolution passed in March avoided a government shutdown but failed to include key health care policies, such as a payment boost under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. While telehealth allowances for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) under Medicare were extended through September 30, the lack of broader payment fixes has sparked unified advocacy efforts from APTA and other health organizations. APTA is strongly pushing for H.R. 879 to be included in any upcoming legislative package to ensure a sustainable payment structure...
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is built on a foundation of advocacy, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient care. With the combined strengths of APTA Home Health and APTA Geriatrics, we now have a unified force that is working diligently to make a lasting impact on the future of physical therapy services. Through the formation of the Joint Government Affairs Committee (JGAC), we are taking bold steps to amplify our collective voice and secure better policies for aging adults and home health patients across the nation...
On Friday, November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 Home Health Final Rule, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025. While the proposed rule included some significant payment reductions, the cuts were mitigated in the final rule, thanks to advocacy efforts by organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The behavioral adjustment for Calendar Year (CY) 2025 is a -1.975% permanent reduction, which is about half of the originally proposed -3.95% cut. After other adjustments, this resulted in a net payment increase of 0.5%. This outcome underscores the importance of continued advocacy and collective action in shaping policy...
Patient advocacy empowers you to leverage your distinctive knowledge and expertise in physical therapy to engage with your member of Congress. By sharing your personal experiences and insights, you aim to raise awareness and shape the perspectives of legislators and their staff. The most impactful method? Sharing compelling patient narratives. These stories serve as powerful tools, illuminating the vital role of physical therapy and driving meaningful change...
On 1/18/2024, the U.S. Congress passed a stopgap spending measure that temporarily keeps the government afloat until early March and prevents a government shutdown. The Continuing Resolution (CR) passed the Senate 77-18 and hours later passed the House 314-108. The new package contains no relief from cuts to the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, despite strong advocacy from a host of patient and provider organizations, including APTA...
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy for us to forget how important it is for us to take time to advocate for the profession. We need as many letters as possible sent to Congress to avoid the impending 3.37% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule slated for January 1, 2024...
My name is Chris Chisler, and I am a PT student from the University of St. Augustin for Health Sciences as part of their flex program at the St. Augustin campus. I am currently preparing to begin my last clinical rotation in an outpatient orthopedic clinic with a planned graduation date this December. I am a past secretary of the FPTA Student Special Interest Group and a current APTA Student Council Rep for the Home Health Academy...
Establishing relationships with elected officials is the key to effective advocacy. This can seem intimidating, but policymakers want to know their constituents and better understand their voters’ concerns. Consider taking time to contact and educate your legislators...
APTA PT Day on Capitol Hill took place on July 25, 2023, in Washington D.C. There were over 1000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students marching on Capitol Hill to give physical therapy and our patients/clients a voice...
It is important to get to know your member of Congress. This may appear intimidating, but members of Congress are people too. Most members of Congress are professors, attorneys, and businesspersons. Some of them are physicians, nurses, and doctors of various professions that understand why we are so valuable...
It’s spring and our US members of Congress want to hear from their constituents. They are home in the district throughout the spring. Check out the Senate schedule and House schedule to find out when...
APTA Advocacy Network
To get learn more about advocacy and to get involved, consider joining the APTA Advocacy Network. The APTA Advocacy Network (formerly PTeam) keeps APTA member advocates connected and engaged. Members participate for free and receive special legislative updates and action alerts when we need your voice.
Your Voice Matters!
Take Action to support APTA Advocacy. APTA provides a consistent lobbying presence with members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and commercial payers. Adding your voice strengthens our efforts. Learn about the advocacy issues that are affecting our profession and society, and then take action using one of the options below. Showing your support only takes minutes and can make a lasting impact.
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