CMS has published the proposed physician fee schedule for 2018, and the news is good!
Out of approximately 19 CPT codes used frequently by physical therapists, the Relative Value Unit (RVU) will remain the same. The remaining 6 codes will undergo an increase relative to the RVU established for the 2017 fee schedule.
While it is important to remember that this is an initial proposal and not final for 2018, it is a very good sign for physical therapists using these codes who have witnessed more fee schedule decreases than increases in recent years.
It is also important to recognize that this type of positive change does not happen by luck nor does it occur without input from primary stakeholders. The APTA has worked tirelessly with the Health Care Professional Advisory Committee to the American Medical Association over the past year to assure that the care provided by physical therapists is not undervalued.
You can find more information about the proposed rule HERE.