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PTs laud proposed Medicare agreement

On October 24 American Physical Therapy Association president Paul A. Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS, issued a statement applauding the proposed legal settlement of Glenda Jimmo, et al vs Kathleen Sebelius, a national class action lawsuit.

Plaintiffs alleged that the US Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare contractors, and administrative review boards were arbitrarily limiting coverage for patients who did not show long-term improvement in their conditions, such as Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury, even though official Centers for Medi­care and Medicaid Services rules state these services should be covered.

Under the proposed agreement, Medicare would pay for skilled therapy and nursing services if they are needed to maintain the patient’s current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration.

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