Throughout 2024, APTA kept members informed on critical news, issues, and developments related to the physical therapy profession. Here’s five of the most read news articles published on apta.org in 2024 based on web traffic.
1. APTA Advocacy Win: Defense Dept. to Roll Out System-Wide Direct Access to PTs
APTA’s advocacy to promote PTs as entry-level providers led to a significant win for the profession, when the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it is positioned to allow physical therapists to act as primary neuromusculoskeletal providers across all DOD settings. APTA’s advocacy, in collaboration with APTA Federal, resulted in a request for a DOD study as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The positive study results prompted DOD’s action.
2. APTA-Backed Legislation Beefs Up Falls Screening, Prevention by PTs in Medicare
An APTA-backed bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would significantly boost falls screening and prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. Known as the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or SAFE Act (H.R. 7618), the bill aims to make falls screening, including those conducted by PTs, a regular part of both the so-called "welcome to Medicare" visit, officially titled the Initial Preventive Physical Examination, and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Since publication of the article, the legislation has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Health.
3. Three Takeaways From the BCBSA Antitrust Settlement
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's tentative $2.8 billion settlement in a class action antitrust lawsuit made headlines for the size of the payout as well as the scope of reforms BCBSA and its 33 member companies will make. Under the settlement, which has since obtained preliminary approval from an Alabama U.S. District Court, PTs and other providers with patients who are insured by Blue plans could benefit from the following — guidelines to improve the prior authorization process for services provided to BCBS members, plans with value-based contract offerings, and improved claims processing under the BlueCard program.
4. First-Ever Telerehab CPG Specifically for PTs and PTAs Now Available
Telerehabilitation is poised to be an integral tool for PTs and PTAs. APTA’s clinical practice guideline, or CPG, titled "Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapist Practice," published in March 2024, includes seven recommendations on preparation, implementation, and impact considerations around telerehab.
5. Historic Wins: Last Severe Restrictions on Direct Access Eliminated
After a longstanding coordinated effort from APTA chapters across the country, all states now have either provisional or unrestricted access to physical therapy without a referral. Alabama moving to a provisional direct access model in May 2024 marked an end to holdouts from any states or the District of Columbia. APTA can now continue to focus its efforts on other critical issues impacting the physical therapy profession.