The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021 is calling for an estimated 9% decrease in payment for codes tied to Part B physical therapist services. 

The cut will do monumental damage—and it won’t be limited to Medicare. Care for military veterans will suffer, as PTs who provide community care will be forced into the same unsustainable reimbursement rates. The same is true for PTs in TRICARE. The cuts will make it impossible for many PTs to continue to provide care, creating physical therapy deserts in communities across the country.

Why It Matters

We should be encouraging access to PTs and PTAs, who can prevent falls, opioid use, and costly procedures. Instead, CMS is creating barriers. These cuts never made sense. During a pandemic, they’re even more devastating.

Our Position

Our professional agency, the APTA, has strenuously opposed any attempt to reduce payment for physical therapy under Medicare. We view the planned cut from CMS as a dangerous and shortsighted move that will harm patients and shutter clinic doors.

In an unprecedented time of a pandemic, it is unwarranted and irresponsible for our government to enact such cuts that will lead to closures and restriction of care for those who need help the most.

This link provides an easy access form to input your name and address to provide a letter to your members of Congress. http://www.votervoice.net/Shares/BjGggA5sACKDTAr6vWX7FBA