Blog

CMS ANNOUNCES MOST COMMON PT/OT DOCUMENTATION ERRORS

June 5, 2019
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PER COMPREHENSIVE ERROR RATE TESTING PROGRAM

CMS recently published a list of the most common PT/OT documentation errors with recommendations on how to prevent these errors. CMS’s list does not contain any surprises. It includes most of the issues that PT/OT practices deal […]

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Blood Flow Restriction Training

Blood Flow Restriction Training is not PT in North Carolina May 2019

May 23, 2019
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The North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners addressed whether blood flow restriction training is within the scope of PT practice in NC at its meeting on September 14, 2017.

According to Board Rule 48C .0101 (a) Permitted Practice, “Physical therapy is presumed to include any acts, tests […]

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re-evaluate patient check list

MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR SUPERVISED EXERCISE THERAPY FOR PAD PATIENTS

February 18, 2019
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MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR SUPERVISED EXERCISE THERAPY FOR PAD PATIENTS

February 18, 2019

Medicare recently issued guidance on providing supervised exercise therapy (in the form of physical therapy) for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). (copy attached)

Patients will be covered for up to […]

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2019 MIPS REPORTING BY PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

December 26, 2018
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2019 MIPS REPORTING BY PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, December 12, 2018

Starting in 2019, physical and occupational therapists are included in the types of providers who participate in CMS’s Quality Payment Program (“QPP”) and start reporting Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (“MIPS”) measures.

The following […]

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Medicare’s 2019 Physician Fee Schedule

December 26, 2018
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Medicare’s 2019 physician fee schedule changes affecting PT/OT include:

KX Modifier: Although the therapy cap was repealed as of 1/1/18, the KX modifier is still required. For 2019, the KX modifier will need to be added to claims above $2 […]

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NC Medicaid Simplifies Authorization of Therapy for Adults

October 11, 2018
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NC Medicaid Simplifies Authorization of Therapy for Adults

North Carolina Medicaid has recently simplified its PT/OT authorization rules for patients who are 21 and older. https://files.nc.gov/ncdma/documents/files/10-A_3.pdf All of the prior rules limiting the number of visits […]

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Appropriate Use and Documentation of Therapeutic Activities (97530)

August 30, 2018
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Documentation

The following discussion is intended to help PT/OT providers choose when using 97530 is appropriate with documentation examples.
The CPT definition of 97530 is “[t]herapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact (use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance), each 15 minutes […]

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Questions and Answers from Webinar on Keys to Improving Your Documentation of Skilled Care by Writing Better Goals and Using Standardized Tests

August 3, 2018
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Which standardized tests are recommended for patients who are non-ambulatory?

The standardized assessment should support the treatment plan and demonstrate achievement of the goals. Listed below are standardized tests that can be used for low level functioning patients.

Sitting Balance Scale – This test assesses the […]

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Medicare Cap

North Carolina Medicaid Therapy Visit Limits for 2018, Medicare Cap

December 26, 2017
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North Carolina Medicaid Therapy Visit Limits for 2018

The following is an update on NC Medicaid therapy visit limitations for patients over 20 years old. These limits are from DMA Clinical Coverage Policy No: 10A (amended 12/15/2017). Medicare Cap

Medicaid patients who are over […]

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Continuing Education Courses Physical Therapy

TRICARE TO PAY FOR PTAs and COTAs

December 13, 2017
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TRICARE TO PAY FOR PTAs and COTAs

PTAs and COTAs will soon be able to treat Tricare patients.

A new law has been enacted instructing the Department of Defense to add PTAs and COTAs to its list of permitted providers. Please note that this […]

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