Proposed 9% Cut to PT and OT and 7% Cut to ST:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 Proposed Rule for services paid under the Medicare Fee Schedule. This includes all outpatient PT, OT, and ST services provided under Part B benefits.
The biggest challenge for our industry that has been looming overhead was the original 8% proposed cut to reimbursement. The 2021 proposed rule has taken this a step further with a proposed 9% payment cut in 2021 to PT and OT services and 7% cut to ST services. This greatly undervalues therapists and the tremendous service that is provided to the Medicare population.
Now is the time to take action and let your voice be heard. All comments to CMS are due by October 5th. We will be in touch in the coming weeks with ways you can easily comment to CMS on this and the other issues in the proposed rule.
Telehealth Coverage Updates
A potential positive proposed 2021 rule is that telehealth coverage could be here to stay! The rule would make permanent telehealth and workforce flexibilities provided during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency while also improving healthcare for Americans in Rural Areas.
Learn more details of the 2021 Proposed Rule on the CMS Fact Sheet.
Be Prepared!
Due to the Public Health Emergency, CMS could release the final rule as late as December 1 and still have policies effective January 1, 2021. There could be little time to prepare your bottom line for the coming changes if the proposed payment cut takes effect. Contact us to learn more about the changes you can make today to improve your reimbursement.