Medicare guidelines concerning Board challenged PTA`s

Thank you for the above articles. The one question I have is that all articles refer to Certification of the PTA not license. When we last time went against Medicare for PTA's to treat pt's, they were unaware that most states license the assistant. I have been attempting to contact the APTA for the names of those involved with this ruling and how to contact those individuals. I agree with all the other e-mails, there is a lot going on behind closed doors.

RMM in San Francisco, California said: Thank you Judy, I'm licensed here in California. Looking forward to hear back more from you and again, thank you for your time.

RMM
This is different than what I have info on. I am trying to contact the APTA and CPTA with blind hope that they may share who is on this committee and how to reach them. I wish I could offer more info. Keep in touch with this forum, a lot of good and helpful info will be shared.

Judy in Sacramento, California said: Go to this site and check out November. Copy it and bring to your employer. We are ALL now legal and can treat! www.encompassmedicare.com/Whats_new.htm

Hi Judy,

Follow up question, do you remember if the above link are for treating Med A patients or Med B patients in outpatient setting?

Thanks.

It was for Part B. Medicare thought that all PTA's through out the country were not licensed, only certified. Especially those that challenged the board. So they stopped coverage on patients being treated by PTA, primarily those that challenged. In my eyes it was only a matter of time before the secondary insurance followed suit. A group of us here in California proved to Medicare that in some states the PTA is licensed. Only a few states certify the PTA. We also shared what the PTA had to complete in order to challenge the board. End result is that Medicare dropped their position. That is why I am questioning the wordage BC/BS is using. They call the PTA Certified vs Licensed. A very important aspect. I do have connections with some PT's that are very much involved with the APTA and CPTA to see if they can share more information. If and when I learn have some information I will share it with the forum.

RMM in San Francisco, California said: Hi Judy,

Follow up question, do you remember if the above link are for treating Med A patients or Med B patients in outpatient setting?

Thanks.

Second e-mail for you. Was for Part A and B
Judy

RMM in San Francisco, California said: Hi Judy,

Follow up question, do you remember if the above link are for treating Med A patients or Med B patients in outpatient setting?

Thanks.

RMM
I was finally able to contact my individual who gets "behind the door info" on the APTA. He said there is no new activity regarding the PTA at this time. They are still looking into changing the program to a 4 yr. As for the PTA not treating Medicare, BC/BS pts; I asked him if it is in regards to some states the PTA is certified while majority they are licensed. His answer was yes. What he did mention is that this stimulated the APTA to look harder into how the Aide is utilized in ALL states. I hope this is of help to you.
Judy

Hi Judy,
Thank you for getting back at me but the above information but I'm afraid its not of use to my current situation. The CMS itself are the one with the power over whether a PT Assistant can treat MCB patient in outpatient setting. Right now, as of a letter from CMS about my application for MPN, a PT Assistant like me is not qualified to have an MPN or Medicare provider number (needed for reimbursement of PTA treatment in outpatient setting ) per CMS' definition of who are and are'nt qualified. I lost a job and planning an appeal to CMS but getting the right supporting documents in a timeframe is proving to be hard. I can't really see the light at the tunnel I'm in.

RMM in San Jose, California said: Hi Judy,
Thank you for getting back at me but the above information but I'm afraid its not of use to my current situation. The CMS itself are the one with the power over whether a PT Assistant can treat MCB patient in outpatient setting. Right now, as of a letter from CMS about my application for MPN, a PT Assistant like me is not qualified to have an MPN or Medicare provider number (needed for reimbursement of PTA treatment in outpatient setting ) per CMS' definition of who are and are'nt qualified. I lost a job and planning an appeal to CMS but getting the right supporting documents in a timeframe is proving to be hard. I can't really see the light at the tunnel I'm in.

Hi RMM
I am sorry my info was of no use for you. I have been licensed for 27 yrs, the MPN has only been for the RPT. Interesting. My heart goes to you. I will continue to search for more info for you. If I find anything, I will let you know. I am glad you are fighting for your rights!
Good luck;
Judy