BREAKING NEWS!!!!
One Year Therapy Cap Exceptions Process Extension, Fee Schedule
Update Included In Tax Bill - Congress to Vote by the End of the
Week.
Senate and House leaders agreed to bring a bill forward a bill that
includes provisions that benefit physical therapists and most
importantly the patients physical therapists serve. Included in
the package were provisions to extended the therapy cap exceptions
process for 2007, replace the scheduled 5.1% reduction in the 2007
Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor with a freeze at
2006 levels, provide an 1.5% payment incentive for providers to
report on quality measures, and maintain the Geographic Payment Cost
Index (GPCI) at 1.0 for the 51 localities that fall below this index
for 2007. This legislation will still need to pass both chambers
of Congress and signed by the President to avoid the 5.1% reduction
in the conversion factor and the therapy cap returning on January 1,
2007. A House vote on the bill is expected later this evening,
while the Senate may vote late tonight or tomorrow. Stay tuned to
www.apta.com for more information as it becomes available. APTA's
members and grassroots have made a significant impact in voicing the
need to address the therapy cap and payment cuts prior to
adjournment. Thank you for your continued advocacy.