APTA Advocates for Medicare Reimbursement Reform and Access Expansion in Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recently convened 500 members in Washington D.C. for Capitol Hill Day, a key advocacy event focused on advancing legislative changes affecting physical therapy providers. Discussions highlighted critical issues such as reforms to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, expanded access to preventive physical therapy services including falls screening and pelvic health, and enhancements to locum tenens arrangements under Medicare. These topics address ongoing challenges related to payment adequacy and administrative burdens faced by physical therapy practitioners across the U.S.

This event allowed APTA members, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, to engage directly with legislators and their staff from both major political parties and independents. The advocacy efforts aimed to educate lawmakers about current professional issues and to influence policies that impact physical therapy payment models and access to care. The bipartisan nature of the meetings underscores the wide recognition of physical therapy’s role in healthcare delivery and the importance of addressing related reimbursement and regulatory matters.

APTA’s coordinated approach amplifies voices from private practices to statewide stakeholders, emphasizing the economic and clinical significance of physical therapy services. Participants noted the tangible impact of such advocacy, viewing it as an effective way to shape policy decisions that affect both practitioners and patients. Continued engagement with members of Congress during congressional recess periods and through ongoing legislative campaigns remains a focus to sustain momentum for necessary reforms.

For insurance and healthcare payers, these advocacy efforts signal potential shifts in Medicare payment structures and expanded coverage policies that may alter reimbursement frameworks and prior authorization requirements for physical therapy. Compliance teams and providers should monitor APTA’s updates for emerging regulatory changes that could affect payer-provider contracts and network participation strategies.

APTA supports its members through tools like the Advocacy Network, providing legislative updates and action alerts to promote timely involvement. This strategic advocacy work aligns with broader industry trends toward value-based care models and aims to reduce administrative complexity while ensuring adequate compensation for physical therapy professionals. Ongoing legislative engagement around Medicare and commercial insurance policies remains critical to optimizing access and payment equity for therapy services.