MedPAC urges no 2007 payment increase for SNFs, Home Health, IRFs
Rehab Regs, January 20, 2006
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home health providers, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) could be facing a freeze on Medicare payment increases in 2007 if Congress agrees with recommendations adopted this week by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), according to PT Bulletin Online.
The commission also proposed that Medicare modifies SNF classification systems to more accurately reflect the cost of treating different types of patients and that it improves quality-control measures. MedPAC will send the recommendations to Congress in March, along with other proposals for adjusting 2007 Medicare payment policies.
Commissioners also discussed factors that may be contributing to the growth in outpatient therapy service, a topic the panel plans on addressing in a June report to Congress. Several commissioners commented on the growing importance of rehabilitation care for an aging Medicare population, from restoring function after illness or injury to preventive care.
MedPAC staff also expects to select a panel of experts to assist in reviewing current data and literature on therapy practices.
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