On December 8, 2010, the US House of Representatives passed the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 by a vote of 409-2.
This legislation will PREVENT the scheduled 25.5% Medicare payment cut to physical therapists and other health care providers paid under the physician fee schedule.
The provision in the bill will reverse the scheduled January 1, 2011 reduction and extend the current Medicare payment rates through December 31, 2011.
The US Senate passed this legislation last night and President Obama has said he will promptly sign the bill into law.
This means for Medicare patients the therapy cap of $1860.00 will start over beginning January 1, 2011 and will end December 31, 2011. Physical,Occupational, and Speech therapy is included in the therapy cap.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
FUN IN THE SUN & WATER SAFETY
FUN IN THE SUN
As the thermometer continues to rise, be sun smart by using shade, clothing, hats and suncreen to keep from getting overexposed to the sun's potentially harmful rays. Experts suggest that four out of every five cases of skin cancer are avoidable.
Some interestng tips to help protect your skin: Ultraviolet rays are the strongest midday. Try to avoid prolonged exposure between 10 am-3pm.
Use shade, but beware that it filters and does not completely block exposure. Hats can be very helpful to provide increased shade. For best benefit use a wide brimmed hat to add to ear and nose protection. Use suncreen with a SPF of 15 or greater. It should be reapplied every two hours if you are working or exercising outdoors,swimming or doing watersports.
WATER SAFETY
Swimming pools, ocean and lakes are enjoyable outlets for swimming and other recreational activities. However, there are precautions which must be taken. For children, there should always be adult supervision. For adults, there should always be at least one additional adult present. Individuals should be aware of environmental conditions This includes weather because water conducts electricity. All swimmers should exit water immediatley when there is any lightning or thunder, even if it seems distant. Know and practice rescue and emergency procedures.
Have the proper rescue and safety equipment such as personal floatation devices.
Water is a familiar source of fun. By adopting proper safety procedures, water can be an enjoyable activity for children and adults.
As the thermometer continues to rise, be sun smart by using shade, clothing, hats and suncreen to keep from getting overexposed to the sun's potentially harmful rays. Experts suggest that four out of every five cases of skin cancer are avoidable.
Some interestng tips to help protect your skin: Ultraviolet rays are the strongest midday. Try to avoid prolonged exposure between 10 am-3pm.
Use shade, but beware that it filters and does not completely block exposure. Hats can be very helpful to provide increased shade. For best benefit use a wide brimmed hat to add to ear and nose protection. Use suncreen with a SPF of 15 or greater. It should be reapplied every two hours if you are working or exercising outdoors,swimming or doing watersports.
WATER SAFETY
Swimming pools, ocean and lakes are enjoyable outlets for swimming and other recreational activities. However, there are precautions which must be taken. For children, there should always be adult supervision. For adults, there should always be at least one additional adult present. Individuals should be aware of environmental conditions This includes weather because water conducts electricity. All swimmers should exit water immediatley when there is any lightning or thunder, even if it seems distant. Know and practice rescue and emergency procedures.
Have the proper rescue and safety equipment such as personal floatation devices.
Water is a familiar source of fun. By adopting proper safety procedures, water can be an enjoyable activity for children and adults.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Senate Passes Bill With Medicare Cap Exceptions, Physician Fee Schedule.
Legislation passed by the Senate on Wednesday contains two important provisions for physical therapy patients and providers. The Tax Extenders Act of 2009 ( HR 4213) extends the therapy cap exception process until December 31, 2010; freezes payments at the 2009 level under the Medicare physician fee schedule, preventing the 21.2% reduction until September 30, 2010.
The bill now has to be passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the president before becoming law.
Legislation passed by the Senate on Wednesday contains two important provisions for physical therapy patients and providers. The Tax Extenders Act of 2009 ( HR 4213) extends the therapy cap exception process until December 31, 2010; freezes payments at the 2009 level under the Medicare physician fee schedule, preventing the 21.2% reduction until September 30, 2010.
The bill now has to be passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the president before becoming law.
Monday, February 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: LaFayette Physical Therapy
February 11, 2010 706-638-5983
MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES ALREADY NEARING 2010 LIMIT
ON OUTPATIENT REHAB SERVICES
LaFayette, Georgia, February 11, 2010 — Just 6 weeks into the new year, a growing number of Medicare beneficiaries—especially those in LaFayette, Georgia—are nearing their yearly financial limit (also known as therapy caps) on outpatient rehabilitation services provided by physical therapists and other health care providers, says local physical therapist Dr. LaTefa Terry, PT, DPT.
Imposed by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the therapy caps end Medicare's coverage of outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services (hospital outpatient departments are exempt) billed under Medicare Part B once a beneficiary has received $1,860 of services in a calendar year. Congress has responded 6 times in the past to prevent Medicare beneficiaries from being negatively impacted by the therapy cap policy by delaying the enforcement of the caps and implementing an exceptions process that allowed services above the financial cap based on diagnosis, clinician evaluation, and judgment. However, the exceptions process expired December 31, 2009.
"With Medicare beneficiaries approaching the $1,860 cap, we need Congress to act now to ensure coverage for necessary services," said Dr. LaTefa Terry. "Senior citizens and people with disabilities who have chronic conditions or multiple comorbidities, or who experience stroke or hip fracture, may soon be negatively affected by the therapy caps."
While both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation addressed the therapy cap by extending the exceptions process temporarily, failure to enact reform has put beneficiaries who require rehabilitation after an illness or injury at considerable risk.
###
Dr. LaTefa Terry, PT, DPT practices at LaFayette Physical Therapy. The facility provides physical therapy services for patients with Neurologic, Orthopedic, Balance/ Gait Impairments,
Arthritic pain and many others.
What You Can Do
v Call your Members of Congress TODAY. To reach your Member of Congress, contact the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Ask the operator to direct you to your Member of Congress.
v Send an email, fax or letter to your Member of Congress TODAY.
Honorable Nathan Deal Honorable Saxby Chambliss Honorable Johnny Isakson
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate U.S. Senate
2133 Rayburn House Off. Bldg. 416 Russell Senate Off. Bldg. 416 Russell Senate Off.Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515-1005 Washington, D.C.20510-1006
For sample letters, please contact LaFayette Physical Therapy, 120 West Villanow St.,
LaFayette, GA 30728 by email at lafayettept@gmail.com (subject: Medicare cap)
or by phone at 706-638-5983.
February 11, 2010 706-638-5983
MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES ALREADY NEARING 2010 LIMIT
ON OUTPATIENT REHAB SERVICES
LaFayette, Georgia, February 11, 2010 — Just 6 weeks into the new year, a growing number of Medicare beneficiaries—especially those in LaFayette, Georgia—are nearing their yearly financial limit (also known as therapy caps) on outpatient rehabilitation services provided by physical therapists and other health care providers, says local physical therapist Dr. LaTefa Terry, PT, DPT.
Imposed by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the therapy caps end Medicare's coverage of outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services (hospital outpatient departments are exempt) billed under Medicare Part B once a beneficiary has received $1,860 of services in a calendar year. Congress has responded 6 times in the past to prevent Medicare beneficiaries from being negatively impacted by the therapy cap policy by delaying the enforcement of the caps and implementing an exceptions process that allowed services above the financial cap based on diagnosis, clinician evaluation, and judgment. However, the exceptions process expired December 31, 2009.
"With Medicare beneficiaries approaching the $1,860 cap, we need Congress to act now to ensure coverage for necessary services," said Dr. LaTefa Terry. "Senior citizens and people with disabilities who have chronic conditions or multiple comorbidities, or who experience stroke or hip fracture, may soon be negatively affected by the therapy caps."
While both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation addressed the therapy cap by extending the exceptions process temporarily, failure to enact reform has put beneficiaries who require rehabilitation after an illness or injury at considerable risk.
###
Dr. LaTefa Terry, PT, DPT practices at LaFayette Physical Therapy. The facility provides physical therapy services for patients with Neurologic, Orthopedic, Balance/ Gait Impairments,
Arthritic pain and many others.
What You Can Do
v Call your Members of Congress TODAY. To reach your Member of Congress, contact the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Ask the operator to direct you to your Member of Congress.
v Send an email, fax or letter to your Member of Congress TODAY.
Honorable Nathan Deal Honorable Saxby Chambliss Honorable Johnny Isakson
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate U.S. Senate
2133 Rayburn House Off. Bldg. 416 Russell Senate Off. Bldg. 416 Russell Senate Off.Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515-1005 Washington, D.C.20510-1006
For sample letters, please contact LaFayette Physical Therapy, 120 West Villanow St.,
LaFayette, GA 30728 by email at lafayettept@gmail.com (subject: Medicare cap)
or by phone at 706-638-5983.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
NEW YEAR 2010
Let's Start the New Year off Right!!!
Regular exercise helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, improves bone density increases longevity, and reduces discomfort from arthritis. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in maintaning a regular excercise program. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track:
- Set a definite date to begin. Mark your calendar for a certain date for each goal that you want to achieve.
- Meet mini-goals: Make small changes every week and they will add up with time. Here are some examples of weekly changes you could incorporate into mini goals: Week One: Drink 8- 10 glasses of water a day. Week Two: Take the steps at work instead of the elevator
- Friends for ever: Tell your friends and family what you want to accomplish and tell them how to help you. Two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to staying motivated.
- By creating goals, you can evaluate your progress better and know you've reached them. Having a realistic plan and being accountable to it are the keys to your success.
- Reward yourself when you have completed your goals.
START OUT on the RIGHT FOOT
Be sure to WARM-UP 5-7 minutes before exercising. Stretching and flexibility exercises keep muscles supple, increases range of motion of joints, enhances flexibility, improves coordination, increases heart rate, increases blood flow to muscles and prevents injuries. The right way to STRETCH is slow, sustained and relaxed. Stretch to the point of mild tension and hold. Back off if it feels painful. DO NOT BOUNCE. This can actually cause you to pull the muscle you are trying to stretch. HOLD the stretch for a minimum of 15 seconds each. BREATHE slowly and naturally. COOL DOWNS are performed after exercise for 5- 7 minutes. The purpose of cool down is togradually return your heart rate and blood pressure to resting or pre- exercising levels.
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