Guest guest Posted November 22, 1999 Report Share Posted November 22, 1999 In a message dated 11/22/1999 7:59:05 PM Central Standard Time, paulpt@... writes: << Are certain CEOs licking their chops that now they can bill medicare for daily treatments for months on end? What dot he nursing homes think? >> and all; Things are obviously not the same as they were before the cap went into place. Rehab Agencies and CORF's could charge their patients whatever they pleased, they just had to be able to present their cost arguements via a cost report on an annual basis. What has changed for CORF's and Rehab Agencies is that they were placed on the FEE SCHEDULE the same as PTIP's. Now with the cap disappearing, the FEE SCHEDULE will remain in place (i.e., an eval will pay approximately $50 and change-depending on your state). I honestly do not know if CORF's and Rehab Agencies still have to file cost reports-I am sure they do, but wonder when the HCFA will consider this a waste of theirs and provider's time. On a bigger scale, it was easier to finance the Corporate machine at $250 an eval and $200 a visit. However, not too many CEO's are licking their chops at $50 and change for an eval and $20 (average) per modality. The PTIP is rejoicing at the cap increase over the last year and the absolute victory that the cap is going away. The CORF's and Rehab Agencies are probably feeling like their meal ticket has been taken from them. Just my grizzly 2c perspective on the issue. Jim Hall, CPA General Manager Rehab Management Services, LLC Cedar Rapids, IA Now billing for 11 locations in 3 states, soon to be 12 in 4!!! Visit our Web Page at: http://members.aol.com/jhall49629 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 1999 Report Share Posted November 22, 1999 , The new legislation calls for increased focused medical review so I doubt that many " daily treatments for months on end " will get by the reviewers. Having spoken to Olsen, legal counsel and lobbyist for the National Association of Rehabilitation Agencies, he believes that the legislation was passed only because industry and professional associations, together with patient groups, worked together for the same goal (for the first time ever, probably). The war is not over, that's for sure, but it's my experience that pessimistic attitudes don't get us very far. We will need to work together as a profession to provide solid suggestions regarding the best type of payment system to be implemented and the data to back the proposed reimbursement. Happy Thanksgiving, Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 1999 Report Share Posted November 22, 1999 Thank you Jim for putting the context of what was originally said in a better light. I would hope that the last two years have taught us something about what can happen if the Medicare system is abused. Keep in mind that many outstanding PT's, OT's and ST's who had no other objective than to provide the highest quality geriatric care to their patients and those therapists lost their jobs due to the greed of the corporate giants. (I am sorry if that is a little harsh, but when people like make comments that daily treatments will be billed month after month, it raises my blood pressure a little bit.) I just wanted to congratulate those of us who have spent the last almost 2 years fighting to get the cap repealed as kept many patients from restoring their prior functional level because their funds ran out and were unable to continue with treatment. I realized back in April of 1998 that the BBA would cost many therapists their jobs and fought to get the cap repealed. I wanted to point out that if we as an association work together, we can make changes. Let us at least spend a little time feeling good about our efforts before we start finding ways to make negative comments. My two cents worth, Kim Longoria, PT 323 Summertime San , TX 78216 Mobile: Specializing in Geriatric Rehabilitation and Fall Prevention kimpt101@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 1999 Report Share Posted November 22, 1999 Once done patting ourselves on the back, we need to consider the future. During the next two years are we, as PTs at large, going to gouge the medicare system without bounds? Are certain CEOs licking their chops that now they can bill medicare for daily treatments for months on end? What dot he nursing homes think? How about the inpatient rehab side of things? Was it the efforts of the APTA and other grass root organizations that helped or was it the big money from large companies that do outpatient rehab? This is a victory, in a sense, but I have the hunch that we merely got a 'stay of our execution,' that is, in two years, things will be much worse, far worse that the 1500 cap ever was. If the system is abused, it sure as heck will be worse off in two years. My 2 cents (billable) collected none. Peace, the PT kimpt10-@... wrote: original article:/group/ptmanager/?start=8771 > Our profession has much to be thankful for at this time. With the passage of > the BBA Refinement Act of 1999 which places a two-year moratorium on the > $1500 cap beginning January 1, 2000, we can pat each other on the back for > sticking together and getting Congress to change their minds and doing > something positive for the beneficiaries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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