CashPT for Medicare Beneficiaries Who Want Something Better
Mandatory Claim Submission Law
40.33 – Mandatory Claims Submission (Rev. 222, Issued: 05-13-16, Effective: 08-15-16, Implementation; 08-15-16) Section 1848(g)(4) of the Act, “Physician/Practitioner Submission of Claims,” regarding mandatory claims submission, does not apply once a physician or practitioner signs and submits an affidavit to the Medicare contractor opting out of the Medicare program, for the duration of the physician’s or practitioner’s opt-out period, unless the physician or practitioner knowingly and willfully violates a term of the affidavit.
Other Non-Covered Medicare Services for CashPTs
- Anything related to recreation and sports.
- Services that have been deemed as not medically necessary by the patient’s physician.
- Services rendered in a location other than the patient’s home or your clinic.
- Services delivered by asynchronous electronic communication such as email or text messaging.
- Asynchronous video programming.
- Some versions of home exercise programs.
- Services delivered by someone other than a licensed therapist or assistant working under the direct supervision of a therapist.
Build Your Provider Network
If I were still in the cashPT only business model I would network with other Medicare contracted providers to build my provider network.
In this video, NGSMedicare MAC explains how when a patient wants 5 days a week of physical therapy services, but only 2 days a week is medically necessary, the patient may choose to self pay for the additional three days a week.
In this case, an ABN would be issued by the contracted provider if the contracted provider is supplying the additional 3 days a week of treatment.
If the extra treatments are provided by an unaffiliated physical therapist no ABN is issued.
Can a CashPT use an ABN?
No. Only Medicare contracted participating and non-participating providers may use a CMS Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN).
Medicare Advantage
Does the ABN apply to Medicare Advantage plans?
No. The ABN is not applicable to Medicare Advantage insurance plans. Keep in mind that the Mandatory claim submission law does not apply to Medicare Advantage plans. Physical therapists that are not affiliated with Medicare Part B in any way are allowed to treat patients with Medicare Advantage insurance.
Can a Contracted Medicare Provider Offer CashPT?
Yes! The best of both worlds is to become a contracted Medicare provider who offers both Medicare covered and non-covered services.
For example, Medicare does not cover dry needling CPT Code 20560 and CPT Code 20561 when delivered by a licensed physical therapist. If you are a contracted Medicare provider your initial physical therapy evaluation would be a covered service, then if you determined that dry needling would benefit your patient and you are capable of delivering the dry needling intervention you would be allowed to charge a self pay rate for the dry needling intervention.
Medicare Covered Initial Evaluation and Dry Needling CashPT
In this case, Medicare would reimburse the Medicare allowed amount for the physical therapy evaluation CPT Code 97161 – $98 and you would charge the patient your standard CashPT rate for CPT Code 20560 – $60.
The total revenue for a 30-minute session would be $158.
Both of these services may be provided in the same day. You may choose to supply an optional ABN as a courtesy to your patient, but it is not required.
Summary:
- The federal mandatory claim submission law requires all healthcare providers to submit claims for service to Medicare when providing Medicare-covered services.
- If you are a cashpt with no affiliation to Medicare Part B and you want to help Medicare beneficiaries an easy way to accomplish this is to work with a contracted Medicare provider.
- If you become a contracted Medicare provider you would be allowed to provide both covered and non-covered services.
Read more:
Zero to Paid Medicare Billing Course – $499
Everything you need to know about Medicare part B billing for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.
If you have been thinking about starting a brick and mortar private practice, mobile practice, or side hustle, this course will provide you with the tools and confidence to get started.
Lifetime access $499
Handicap Placard Ohio
How to Obtain a Handicap Parking Permit in Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide Handicap parking permits are essential for individuals with disabilities, as they provide convenient and accessible parking spaces. In Ohio, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees the issuance of...
How much does Medicare pay for physical therapy in [2023] UPDATED
How much does Medicare pay for physical therapy This article will specifically reference the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule look-up tool to determine how much does Medicare pay for physical therapy. Medicare Part B payment rates for a physical therapy initial...
How to Choose a Location to Open a Physical Therapy Clinic in 2022
1. Understand Your Ideal Client Everything begins with knowing who your ideal client is. If you are focused on treating post surgical total knee referrals you will want to choose a physical therapy clinic location with easy access parking, no stairs or curbs, and wide...
Who is allowed to certify a Medicare physical therapy plan of care? 2022
Which providers are allowed to certify a Medicare physical therapy plan of care? There are several types of healthcare providers that are allowed to certify a Medicare physical therapy plan of care. Medical Doctor Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Nurse Practitioner...
How Long Do Physical Therapy Sessions Take? 15, 30, or 60 Min?
My mom asked me "How long do physical therapy sessions take?" not because she was so eager to go, but rather because she wanted to get it over with.https://youtu.be/jwneMxD1jKsThe average physical therapy session at my clinic, Total Therapy Solutions, will last between...