The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) was to a large extent formed or galvanized by APTA’s effort to categorically push through an Alternative Payment System that is truly alternative to the extent that it proposes codes that alienate from anything aligned with the current CPT code system.  It is not contrary to the current fee for service system and it doesn’t in my view propel or lead us into the future-in fact if adopted by CMS would move us backwards.  Far too much progressive work (much on behalf of APTA) has gotten the top used and reimbursed CPT codes aligned with both value and research (e.g. exercise and manual therapy) while also disincentivizes those that continue to promote passive modalities.

APTQI is approximately 3,000 clinics comprised of many different companies.  For the record, I am not part of APTQI-but I agree with them on the APS issue and believe APTA should do the right thing and withdraw their efforts completely and begin to align a consensus driven approach that involves collaboration amongst all stakeholders that bill part B outpatient including “corporates”, private practices, SNF’s, hospital, and rehab agencies.  Withdrawal in this context is not defeat but a new vision forward for APTA that involves reaching out beyond an insulated view of outpatient practice. Here is one alternative proposed by PTBA which is not an answer either but should be part of the discussion.

I have been given the authority and public links including all communication with CMS by APTQI and perhaps a review of this will further an understanding of their position and provide further transparency and communication.