September/October, 2019 Volume M, NO. 28
Empire State Physical
Therapy
The O fficia l N e ws l et t e r o f t h e Ne w York Phy si cal The rapy A ssoci at io n , In c.
IN THIS ISSUE Payment Updates (Cover Story (page 1,3) Fall BOD Meeting Will Focus on Key Chapter Issues (President's Letter (page 2, 5) October is National PT Month (page 6)
Payment Updates
by Marcia Spoto, PT, DC, Public Policy Committee Vice Chair
Member Congrats!
Payment issues relevant to the practice of physical therapy on both the state and national levels are continually changing. The following information is intended to help members stay informed of recent changes to the payment landscape.
Member Spotlight: Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS
Medicare:
(page 7)
(page 8-9)
Nominating Committee Article and Forms (page 11-13)
Member Spotlight: Susan D. Miller, PT, DPT, MS (page 14-15)
Proposed Physician Fee Schedule The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its 2020 proposed physician fee schedule rule on July 29. The most significant change for physical therapists is the requirement that PTs identify services provided by PTAs. Claims submitted starting on January 1, 2020, would need to include a new modifier, CQ, when10% or more of the service was rendered by a PTA. The proposed rule further requires the PT to include in treatment notes an explanation of why or why not the modifier was used for each service. Payment differentials then would begin in 2022 for treatments administered by a PTA. APTA has vigorously opposed this change, and will continue its advocacy for a less complex system. Click here for more information on the proposed rule. MIPS Although there will be no changes to the eligibility thresholds for continued on page 3
www.nypta.org
September/October, 2019 • Empire State Physical Therapy 1