Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare FAQ

Question: What are the new requirements under Medicare for Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant?

Answer: The new personnel qualifications for physical therapist were discussed in the 2008 Physicial Fee Schedule (Federal Register of November 27, 2007). The correction notice for this rule was published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2008 Transmittal 88 in May of 2008 provided detailed guidance on the qualifications. A summary version of the qualificaitons of physical therapists as well as a summary version of physical therapy support personnel can be downloaded for your convenience.

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Compliance FAQ

Question: We are a small private practice physical therapy company with two local clinics. We pride ourselves on quality care, and have never been audited or reviewed by Medicare. Is it necessary for us to go through the expense of having a compliance officer and a compliance plan?

Answer: Having a compliance plan in place can potentially assit in mitigating risks associated with adverse finding during a Medicare audit. The Compliance Guidance for Physicians and Small Practices offers some breaks for small providers, amoung them the ability to use a compliance committee rather than a dedicated compliance officer.

Question: We offer to provide our new patients a copy of our HIPAA Privacy Practices. Most patients state they are familiar with HIPAA and don't want a copy of our policy, but they do sign a statement that they have reviewed our HIPAA Privacy Practices. Are we still in compliance with the HIPAA regulations?

Answer: Yes. HIPAA Privacy Practices have been distributed since 2003, it is entirely likely that most patients to your clinic have a basic understanding of HIPAA with respect to their privacy. The regulations suggest that providers that have web sites also post of notice of their Privacy Practices on the website. Your Privacy Practices should also be posted prominently in your clinic, for example in the waiting room, or at the registration desk. Patients should know how to acess this information should they need to do so.

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