Archive for May, 2008

4 New Titles Added to CPT Codes

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

To help APTA members with less commonly used CPT codes identified in a survey of the Association’s reimbursement leaders, the Payment Policy and Advocacy Dept has added 4 new titles to lessen the confusion many PTs face. The four new papers include: Biofeedback and Urinary Incontinence, Patient Education, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Active Wound Care Management

Each paper discusses the services and CPT codes as well as references, and appealing process.

You can contact the Payment Policy and Advocacy Department via email advocacy@apta.org to obtain a copy.

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Deadline TODAY for NPI

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

May 23rd is the deadline for Medicare to begin paying claims ONLY to National Provider Identifier as the primary identification.  Physical therapists and other health care providers are risking denied claims and payment problems if they are not submitting batches of Medicare claims now to verify that their National Provider Identifier (NPI) is being recognized by their contractors.

Learn more about the NPI on Travel Rehab by clicking here. You will find details on the NPI including links to apply, and free access to view your current NPI data or status of an application.

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Develop a Niche As an OT Consultant

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

An Occupational Therapy Consultant is not something new however, it is gaining momentum in the OT industry as a career opportunity. Most OT Consultants do not treat patients directly but rather assess a person’s abilities and surroundings and determine the best direction or change in their daily routines to make life easier and more accommodating. For example, a person concerned with their aging parent may hire an Occupational Therapist to review their driving habits and offer suggestions, devices or even training to help them drive safely and securely.

OTs may visit an office and devise a plan to make the work area more ergonomic ‘friendly’.  There are many uses and services that an Occupational Therapist can provide whether they are a consultant,  work in a school assisting children with special needs, or as a traveling OT.

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Patient Access to Physical Therapists Improves in Minnesota

Monday, May 5th, 2008

As of April 17th, a  new law in the state of Minnesota is increasing patient’s access to Physical Therapist Services without the need of a referral from their Doctor.

The change gives patients 90 days of treatment from a Physical Therapist. Previously, patients only had 30 days without a referral. As APTA president R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD states; “Studies show what those involved in the physical therapy profession know to be true – that direct access lowers costs, improves access to care, and offers patients a greater choice of services. Minnesota has taken another step to improve health care quality for its citizens.”

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May 23 Deadline for National Provider Identifier

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

Physical Therapists should be well aware of the impending May 23rd deadline for PT’s to use their NPI (National Provider Identifier) as their only provider number on Medicare claims. After May 23rd, Medicare will STOP paying claims on anything other than the NPI as their primary provider identifier. The APTA recommends to avoid denied claims and payment problems, physical therapists should be submitting batches of claims now to make sure that their NPIs are being recognized.

The APTA has also developed a web-based tool kit. Check it out by clicking here.

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