Joint Advocacy Continues on PDPM and PDGM

Today, the American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association sent letters to physician [PDF] and consumer groups [PDF] informing them about challenges with implementing new Medicare payment methodologies for skilled nursing facilities (Patient-Driven Payment Model) and home health agencies (Patient-Driven Groupings Model). The letters, along with a consumer fact sheet [PDF], highlight misinformation patients may hear about these case-mix classification systems and reinforce the critical value occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapy practitioners, and speech-language pathologists play in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Home Health Agencies. The three national therapy associations are providing this information to help Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians advocate for medically necessary therapy services. Preserving access to therapy services is critical, particularly as post-acute care organizations prepare for the expected surge in patients recovering from Coronavirus Disease 2019. AOTA, APTA, and ASHA will continue to advocate for access to these vitally important post-acute care rehabilitation services.

Questions?

Contact Sarah Warren, MA, ASHA’s director of health care policy for Medicare, at swarren@asha.org.