Fight the Cut

Healthcare is, and has always been, about caring for patients. Physical therapy, in particular, is centered around healing, strengthening, and educating patients. As providers, patients have always been the top priority and helping them live healthier lives with less pain and fewer injuries is why we continue to do what we do. That’s why the Fight the Cut Advocacy is so important.

However, healthcare is also an industry and the business of rehab has unfortunately not historically prioritized patient care above all else. Though numerous studies have reaffirmed the place of physical therapy as one of the most effective and cost-efficient forms of patient care, physical therapists have seen cuts in coverage that prioritize insurance companies’ bottom lines above patient interests. As 2021 continues, therapists are facing yet another planned cut in CMS’ Physician Fee Schedule which could total up to an 9% loss in revenue for physical therapy. 

As we all know, when physical therapists lose reimbursement, it translates directly to decreased access to the high quality, outcome-driven care which patients need. A 9% cut could close businesses and drive therapists out of practice, resulting in a catastrophic shortage of care for patients your communities. Not to mention the significant blow to the profession.

However, it is not too late for these proposed changes to be repealed. The APTA is leading a fantastic advocacy campaign now which urges legislators to consider the power of physical therapy and the effects this cut will have on patients’ access to high quality care in the physical therapy space. Their advocacy campaign is both powerful and easy to participate in, with templated emails to your representatives for your convenience.

Fight the cut: join them in speaking up for our patients and our profession by clicking here! Alternately, you can contact your Senate representative individually to make your voice heard. Even a small action has the potential to have a huge impact.