PT News: Legislation Aims To Increase Access To Physical Therapist Services

Medicare beneficiaries who need physical therapist services would find it easier and more efficient to obtain treatment under legislation introduced yesterday in the US House of Representatives. The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act (HR 1829), introduced by Representatives Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Tim Murphy (R-PA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), eliminates the need for beneficiaries to obtain a physician referral for physical therapy services.

"Direct access under Medicare would remove unnecessary barriers to the cost-effective rehabilitation services provided by physical therapists," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "Currently these health care consumers, which include seniors and people with disabilities, often have the greatest need for physical therapy services and experience unnecessary burdens to access these services. The referral process can often cause delays that can impede a patient's ability to achieve his or her optimal functional outcome. In light of today's economic environment, timely access to cost-effective physical therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries is critical."

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