Federal Affairs Liaison (FAL) July Call Minutes

• By: admin
• On: 08/04/2026 16:32:07
• In: News

• Congressional Activity and August Recess: Congress is entering August Recess, with the House already adjourned and the Senate departing shortly. Much of the remaining legislative work, including appropriations, government funding, and potential health care priorities, is expected to be addressed when Congress returns in September.
• Federal Legislative Priorities: APTA is monitoring several bills that could be included in year-end legislation. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act has advanced from the House Ways and Means Committee, the Improving Seniors' Access to Timely Care Act continues to gain bipartisan support, and the SHARE Act remains positioned for further action.

• 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: CMS has proposed a 1.68% reduction to the 2027 non-qualifying provider conversion factor due in part to the expiration of the temporary 2.5% congressional payment increase. Despite this reduction, proposed changes to calculation of the practice expense methodology are expected to benefit physical therapy, with many commonly billed PT services projected to receive 1% to 3% payment increases. APTA will continue advocating for broader payment reform and more accurate valuation of therapy services including the elimination of MPPR.
• Practice Expense Methodology Changes: CMS proposes eliminating the Indirect Practice Cost Index methodology and placing greater emphasis on work and clinical labor RVUs in determining indirect practice expense values. Because physical therapy services involve significant clinical staff time and historically have lower indirect practice expense allocations, these changes are expected to produce positive payment impacts for many PT codes. APTA anticipates opposition from some provider groups facing significant payment reductions due to these changes and plans to strongly support this proposal during the comment period.
• Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): CMS is proposing several RTM and RPM changes, not distinguishing between the two practices in its proposal. Some of these include limiting services to established patients, prohibiting payment for most third-party vendor participation, and replacing the existing coding structure with bundled G-codes. APTA is concerned these changes could reduce reimbursement, disrupt current practice models, and limit patient access to RTM services. Comments will be submitted addressing the distinctions between RTM and RPM, in particular the unique utilization of RTM within physical therapy practice.
• Biofeedback Coding Changes: CMS proposes increasing the work value for CPT code 90901 and establishing a new add-on code to account for additional treatment time. The proposal reflects the varying time and intensity required to furnish biofeedback services and would create greater flexibility when treating patients requiring longer sessions.
• Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM): The mandatory ASM for low back pain and congestive heart failure is scheduled to begin in 2027 and remains unchanged from the 2026 final rule regarding physical therapist participation. Although CMS acknowledges the role of PTs in managing low back pain, therapists are not eligible for participation. APTA recommended in 2026 that the ASM include a referral to physical therapy measure. That recommendation was not adopted, and did CMS add any new measures in its 2027 proposed rule. APTA will continue to advocate for measures that promote PT referral and recognize the value of physical therapy in reducing unnecessary utilization of low value and potentially unnecessary services like imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.
• CPT/RUC Request for Information: CMS issued a Request for Information seeking feedback on potential alternatives to the CPT coding and RUC valuation processes. While no policy changes are proposed at this time, the request signals growing federal interest in moving away from the existing CPT and RUC processes and evaluating replacing them with other coding and valuation structures. APTA will participate in the discussion on improving current processes while not jeopardizing its representation in the existing CPT and RUC processes.
• Quality Payment Program Updates: CMS proposes sunsetting traditional MIPS after 2028 and transitioning clinicians toward MVP-only reporting. Additional proposals include replacing FOTO functional outcome measures with PROMIS measures and establishing new core measure reporting requirements. APTA continues to advocate for greater flexibility and additional relevant measures for physical therapists.
• Advocacy and Comment Opportunities: Members were reminded that APTA has published an initial fee schedule analysis and template comment letter. Additional resources, including the Regulatory Action Center comment tool are forthcoming, and a webinar scheduled for August 6, will support member participation during the comment period. Members were encouraged to submit comments to help support favorable payment proposals.

• August Recess Resources and Reporting: The goal remains securing at least one congressional advocacy activity in every state during August recess. Continue contacting congressional offices and utilize APTA staff assistance if additional support is needed. Key Contacts and APTA Capitol Hill Day attendees received an August Recess Guide, talking points, position papers, and other advocacy materials. All district meetings, clinic visits, and advocacy activities should be reported through the APTA Advocacy App, reporting form, or directly to Laura, which helps our efforts on Capitol Hill. October is also an option for in-district activities if August isn't an option.
• Flash Action Strategy: This year's APTA Flash Action Strategy (Sept. 23-24) will focus on H.R. 5621/S. 4420 – the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act – legislation to include PTs in the National Health Service Corp Loan Repayment Program and increase patient access to PT care in federal community health centers. The annual two-day student-led advocacy campaign will use grassroots outreach and social media engagement to build support for the bill and increase congressional co-sponsorship. Student point people are being recruited at PT and PTA programs to coordinate participation and increase engagement. Participation in APTA Flash Action Strategy will count toward the APTA Student Advocacy Challenge. The goal is to send 10,000 letters to Congress. A sign-up form for interested point people is available here.

• Medicare Payment Advocacy: Members were encouraged to highlight the scheduled expiration of the temporary 2.5% Medicare payment increase when meeting with legislators. Congressional action preventing this reduction remains one of the most realistic payment-related opportunities before the end of the year and should be a key discussion point during district meetings.
• Fundraising and Relationship Building: Election season provides increased opportunities to attend congressional fundraisers and strengthen relationships with lawmakers. Members were encouraged to monitor campaign websites for local events and coordinate with APTA staff regarding participation through PTPAC. Building relationships now remains critical as committee assignments and congressional leadership roles may change following the election.