On-line
| Newsletter On-line |
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Issue
1, October 2002 |
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CONNECT WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY October
2002 is National Physical Therapy Month! |
| Seeking PTs/PTAs for FSBT Item Writing Committee |
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT or Federation) is seeking physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to apply for its Examination Item Writing Committee. PTs and PTAs with clinical experience are encouraged to apply. If you would like an application or committee description, please call (703) 739-9420 Ext. 204 or e-mail smendoza@fsbpt.org. The deadline is Friday, October 18, 2002. |
| APTA
Federal Governmental Affairs Forum Report
by Ira Gorman, PT
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The 14th Annual APTA Federal Government Affairs Forum titled "Access to the Future" was held in Washington, DC on April 28-30, 2002. Representing the Colorado Chapter were Ira Gorman, PT and Lynne Grieve, PT. Sharon Konecne, PT, also attended as representative of the Oncology Section. More than 150 PTs from across the country attended the meeting which included legislative updates, information on how to effectively lobby members of Congress and round table discussions with other liaisons and component representatives. The major theme throughout the meeting was the two pieces of legislation proposed this session of the U.S. Congress. The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001 would repeal the $1,500 cap on out patient physical therapy, and The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2001 would allow Medicare beneficiaries to access physical therapy services without the prescription or referral of a physician where allowed by state law. Information on the progress of these bills including co-sponsor lists was provided as well as the major talking points that would help constituents lobby members of Congress and attempt to expand the number of co-sponsors as this legislation proceeds through the House and Senate committees. Other highlights included a presentation by Robert Silverstein, JD, director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy and a key staff member who assisted in writing the ADA. He told attendees that lobbying Congress is about trust and personal relationships. Former Senator Bob Dole addressed the forum as a keynote luncheon speaker. Attendees were able to receive a White House briefing at the Old Executive Office Building by Alan Gilbert, deputy assistant secretary for legislation for the Department of HHS, and Lisa Oliphant, the new executive director of the American Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Terry Kay, the Director of Practitioner and Ambulatory Care Division for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), spoke about the new structure of CMS and the involvement with physical therapy issues. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) addressed the forum as a kick off to our Capitol Hill visits on the final day. Sen. Ensign is the Senate sponsor of the $1,500 cap repeal bill and a long time friend of physical therapy. He advised that personal stories are the most effective means to persuade members of Congress. The Colorado PT delegation then proceeded to Capitol Hill for our scheduled appointments with the legislative aides on health issues for Sen. Nighthorse Campbell, Sen. Allard, Rep. Udall, Rep. Hefley, and Rep. DeGette. All of our meetings were productive in addressing the issues and educating the staff members about the concerns we have for patients and how these two pieces of legislation would improve the ability for seniors to access physical therapy and subsequently improve their functional ability and quality of life. Congressman Udall's office was the most supportive. Other aides expressed concern about safety with direct access. There was very little opposition for some type of repeal of the cap. The forum concluded with a rally outside the capitol led by APTA president Ben Massey and Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Arlen Spector (R-PA) who announced the introduction of S2386, the Senate version of the direct access bill. More than 70 PTs and friends of PT participated in the rally to ignite a national grass roots campaign for Medicare direct access. Follow up letters were sent to all members of Congress and information was passed on to the individual Colorado PT federal liaisons to contact their member of Congress during the summer recess. The forum was extremely valuable to our chapter, our national organization, our profession and to the patients we provide quality care. |
| Medicare
Participation for PT by Ira Gorman, PT
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The recent changes in Medicare over the last few years have left many rehab providers scratching their heads. Changes since the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 have affected not only reimbursement and therefore employment opportunities for Physical Therapists, but there have also been changes in how a physical therapist can participate as a provider in the Medicare program. Below is a review of the Medicare program and how physical therapists interact with the largest payer for rehab services in the U.S. Medicare was created in 1965 as an amendment under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It was intended to be a social health insurance program for the elderly over the age of 65 and for those individuals who were disabled for over 24 months and therefor eligible for Social Security Disability Income. Medicare is divided into two separate parts. Part A is true social health insurance and is referred to as the hospital insurance part. It covers mainly in-patient hospital services, skilled nursing facilities and home health. Individuals who reach the age of 65 and have paid into Social Security through their FICA taxes for 10 quarters are eligible for automatic enrollment at no cost. There are deductibles and co-insurance but no premium. Part B is called supplementary medical insurance and covers physician services and out patient ambulatory services including out patient physical therapy. It is available to those who have Part A and wish to pay a monthly premium of approximately $50. Deductibles and co-insurance apply. Recently a product known as Medicare + Choice has been introduced. This is a replacement for Part A and Part B with an HMO plan or other fee for service plan administered by a private insurance company to cover in-patient and out-patient services. There is usually no premium, no deductible but copays exist, and there are the usual HMO restrictions on access and usage. Often there are additional services available such as prescription drugs, which at present Medicare Part B does not cover. The Medicare program is funded through payroll taxes (FICA) and premiums and administered at the federal level by the Health Care Financing Administration ( HCFA), now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson states that the new name reflects the agency's increased emphasis on responsiveness to beneficiaries and providers, and on improving the quality of care that beneficiaries receive in all parts of Medicare and Medicaid. Three new business centers are being established as a part of the reform: the Center for Beneficiary Choices, the Center for Medicare Management, and the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Although the federal government administers Medicare and writes the rules and regulations, the claims are paid through local insurance companies who bid for the contract in each state. The company that processes the claims under Part A is known as the fiscal intermediary, under Part B it is known as the carrier. The same company may serve as both such as Blue Cross of Colorado did for many years. Presently the fiscal intermediary (FI) for Colorado is Trailblazer Health in Dallas, Texas and the carrier is Blue Cross of North Dakota. In order for a physical therapist or a facility to bill Medicare, that entity must have a provider or supplier number in the Medicare program. Prior to Jan 1, 1999, a physical therapist in private practice (non-corporation) would participate as a physical therapist in independent practice (PTIP), and the supplier number belonged to the individual owner of the practice. PTIPs billed carriers and were subject to a $900 limit for services per year. Beginning Jan 1, 1999 the regulations changed with private practice PTs being referred to as Physical Therapists in Private Practice (PTPP), and while still billing the carrier, there is no longer a yearly cap, you can be a corporation and you do not have to have a state survey performed. The process to become a PTPP is much simpler and handled at the carrier level. The other designation that PTs can participate in the Medicare program is under the out patient physical therapy (OPT) designation or as a Certified Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). As an OPT, known as a rehab agency, you provide a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program with at least PT and or speech-language pathology, social or vocational adjustment services, and you must undergo a state health department survey to ensure compliance with the standards set forth by CMS. The CORF must also undergo a survey with more comprehensive standards and criteria. Previously payment to OPT and CORFs was cost based vs the physician fee schedule that PTPPs were paid under. This has changed under recent legislation and now OPT will be under the physician fee schedule as well which is based on the Medicare resource based relative value scale (RBRVS ). The intent of CMS is to move towards a prospective payment system for all providers which is how Part A skilled nursing, hospital and home health services are reimbursed. Suppliers (PTPPs) provide services as a Part B provider, while OPTs and CORFs are classified as Part A providers. However, since out patient physical therapy is a Part B service, the funds come from Part B in either case. Therefore even as a Part A OPT, you are still subject to the April 11, 2001 Program Memorandum preventing student physical therapist services from being reimbursed under Medicare. The following websites and government agencies are available for additional information.
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| Colorado PTs Participate in NCSL 2002 Summit for America |
The American Physical Therapy Association continued its presence at the National Conference for State Legislatures (NCSL) with this year's "Are You Fit for Office?" workstation ergonomics assessment and information booth at the 28th Annual Summit in Denver. The event was hosted by Colorado APTA Physical Therapy professionals from around the State and received great reviews from participants. NCSL is the pre-eminent bipartisan organization dedicated to serving the lawmakers and staffs of the Nation's 50 state legislatures and territories. The conference attracts more than 6,000 legislators, regulators, association representatives, corporations and public policy experts from around the country. Click here to view Conference highlights
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| Golden Goniometer Softball Tournament |
Congratulations to Regis University, 2002 winner of The Golden Goniometer! The reinstatement of the annual Golden Goniometer softball event was a success! This event serves to bring together the students, faculty and alumni of the two physical therapy programs in Colorado, UCHSC and Regis University, for communication, fun, and friendly competition. This year's event took place on July 20th at Rocky Mountain Park and was well attended by students and faculty of both schools. Chipotle lunch was provided for all attendees as well as raffle items and school memorabilia for sale. This year's event was organized by the Colorado APTA Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) and would not have been possible without the additional support of the Colorado Chapter of the APTA, area businesses, faculty members, fellow students and the department of student activities at Regis University. Special thanks to Steve Kangior, PT who provided the beautiful perpetual trophy and to Cicely Hart, SPT and former SSIG Treasurer who was the primary organizer of this year's event. |
| Bob Doctor Memorial Golf Tournament | This year's Bob Doctor Memorial Golf Tournament
was held at Green Valley Ranch
Golf Course on Sunday, August 25. Tim Noteboom, PhD, PT, masterfully coordinated the
event at which 72 golfers competed. Proceeds of the
tournament will support the Chapter's legislative efforts. Many thanks
to our tournament sponsors and golfers.
Click here for tournament photos
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| Colorado PTs Awarded Board Certification |
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) announced that 508 physical therapy professionals were awarded board certification in 2002. To date 4,146 certified clinical specialists have demonstrated their expertise in: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurologic, Orthopedic, Pediatric or Sports Physical Therapy. Congratulations to the following Colorado Chapter APTA members:
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| Thank You, Advertisers |
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| Letters: Meeting for Eastern Colorado Therapists
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Editor: I am a PT and Rehab Director in Burlington, CO. I have visited with several other PT/OT providers practicing in the Eastern Colorado area. We are looking at having a "get-together" for those of us way out here on the eastern plains. If interested, please contact me via phone at 719-346-0366 from 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Thanks, Scott Alwin, PT, Parke Wellness Center, 182 16th Street, Burlington, CO 80807 |
| Meeting Announcements |
APTA/Colorado
Chapter Mile High District Evening Series APTA/Colorado
Chapter Fall Fundraiser APTA/Colorado Chapter Fall Business Meeting
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| Why
Attend the Fall Symposium?
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APTA/Colorado Chapter's 12th
Fall Symposium 1. Did you ever have a patient "lose it" in therapy? Or just start sobbing for no reason when you touch them in a certain place? Wonder what is going on? Wonder what to do? Come to the APTA Fall conference to find out! 2. Taken 15 different cervical courses? You've tried every technique and now are wondering which one really works? Come to the conference and find out how to treat in less visits! 3. Ever have an ACL patient, no matter what you do, have continued pain and limitation with no apparent causes? The conference will have an answer for you!! 4. The patient has a diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Dysfunction, but shows no improvement in strength or function no matter what you do. Wonder what's wrong? The conference will teach you the answers! 5. In this day and age of difficult practice environment, how can you back up what you do when you are marketing out there? We will teach you how! 6. You think you'd rather take a hands-on course? You can't afford to miss the latest and the best information from our experts! 7. Had a patient with chronic headaches, but medicine and traditional physical therapy offers no relief?? Do you know the missing link? You'll find out at the fall conference!! 8. Think all arthritic patients are old? Surprise, they aren't! Find out when you can help the aging baby boomers and how to sell it to your physicians. 9. Have you always thought you could do without orthotics, that physical therapy alone is enough? Even the experts agree many people need more than that. Are you providing all you can? 10. Wouldn't you like to hear your fellow therapists talking about their passion? It's all brought to you by your APTA 11. Having difficulty with new concepts of the pelvis? Have you heard of them? Come and learn how to apply them immediately without a lab class, starting on Monday morning! 12. We can't guarantee you'll leave the symposium with one new idea. We'll guarantee you'll leave with 5!! 13. Ever had a patient have sexual problems after a long bike ride? This question will definitely be answered: the how's, the why's and the solutions. 14. When all medical tests, including radiology, prove you can't make the lumbar spine better, we'll teach you how you still can. Baffle medical convention!
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| Calendar |
Click here to view the Chapter's On-line Event Calendar |
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email announcements about future issues of the Chapter's Newsletter On-line, Published by the APTA / Colorado Chapter Copyright 2002, APTA/Colorado
Chapter. All rights reserved. |
