National therapy associations issue joint statement on PDPM/PDGM Advocacy

Today, the American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association sent letters to physician and consumer groups 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, 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 SNFs and HHAs. 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 COVID-19. AOTA, APTA, and ASHA will continue to advocate for access to these vitally important post–acute care rehabilitation services.

The above referenced letters and consumer fact sheet were sent to the following groups:

Physician groups

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Physicians
American Geriatrics Society
American Academy of Home Care Medicine
The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
American Academy of Neurology

Consumer groups

Center for Medicare Advocacy
Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation
American Heart Association
American Association of Retired People
Michael J. Fox Foundation
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
United Spinal Association
Brain Injury Association of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Alzheimer’s Association
Amputee Coalition of America
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Visit our pages on PDPM and PDGM for more information about the SNF and HH payment models, including advocacy tips and other practitioner resources.