Eli's Rehab Report
Keep an Eye on National Healthcare Reform
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U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled a whopping healthcare reform plan at a Nov. 12 press conference, which includes several ambitious proposals, such as universal healthcare. Baucus' plan also includes a number of insurance and delivery system reforms, such as a nationwide insurance pool called the Health Insurance Exchange, according to a press release. Those who already have health coverage could keep what they have, but for those who still need affordable coverage, the Exchange would be a marketplace where Americans could compare and purchase the plans of their choice. Meanwhile, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, this week announced three new health reform working groups within his committee to deal with insurance coverage reforms, prevention and public health, and improving the quality of care, according to the Nov. 21 edition of PT Bulletin Online. The good news: "Without directly addressing physical therapist services, the plans offer opportunities to address issues related to Medicare fee schedules, direct access, and the therapy cap," the Bulletin pointed out The bad news: "Concerns about financing and budget neutrality are likely to expose providers to potential payment cuts and restrictions," the Bulletin said. In response, APTA is preparing to officially comment on the Baucus proposal and to meet with members of Congress to ensure that physical therapy issues are considered in the healthcare reform. To view Baucus' proposal, go to http://finance.senate.gov/healthreform2009/home.html.
Eli's Rehab Report
- Outpatient Outlook:
Gear Up for 2009 With This Medicare Fee Schedule Final Rule Analysis
SLPs: Keep your fingers crossed for better MBS reimbursement.Without the therapy cap exceptions process expiration [...] - Quality of Care:
Don't Pass Up a 2% Bonus: Rehab Welcomes New PQRI Measures
Despite bonus payment issues, experts recommend you get involved if you can.Get ready to jump [...] - Long-Term Care:
Restorative, Rehab, or Both? The Wrong Answer Can Cost Your SNF
4 quick questions can keep your care and payment on track. Your skilled nursing facility [...] - Practice Pointers:
Amp Up Your SNF Therapy Documentation With the Right Details
Use this gait training example as a model.So your SNF has decided to go with [...] - Clinical Rehab Roundup:
High-Force Eccentric Resistance Training Shows Promise for Diabetes Cases
"Comparison of combined aerobic and high-force eccentric resistance exercise with aerobic exercise only for people [...] - Reader Questions:
Know Your Therapy Cap Exceptions to a Tee
Question: I need clarification about therapy cap exceptions on different treatments done within the same [...] - Reader Questions:
Get Answers to This Tricky Recertification Timing Issue
Question: Are there limitations to the duration I can set for a plan of care [...] - News Briefs:
CMS Gears Up for New Therapy Payment Study
You may have just heard about the CMS contract with Research Triangle Institute to carry [...] - News Briefs:
Keep an Eye on National Healthcare Reform
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled a whopping healthcare reform plan at a Nov. 12 [...] - News Briefs:
Heads Up: Therapists Could Be Considered 'Creditors'
Last summer, the Federal Trade Commission issued its "Red Flags Rules" that require financial institutions [...] - News Briefs:
U.S. Physical Therapy Acquires San Antonio Clinics
Physical therapy giant U.S. Physical Therapy announced on Nov. 18 that it acquired a 65 [...]