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AAPM&R Advocates for PAPE Waiver to Help Relieve Physiatrists

Members & Publications

April 1, 2020

As part of a number of new policies announced by CMS to help physicians and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Post-Admission Physician Evaluation (PAPE) in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) has been waived by CMS. AAPM&R has long been advocating for streamlining IRF paperwork. Please see our letter from March 18 to CMS asking for various waivers, including a waiver of the PAPE, the three-hour rule, patient file audits, MIPS, and other regulations that have been waived by CMS in recent days and apply during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Regarding the PAPE waiver, CMS states, "Post-Admission Evaluations: Physicians are no longer required to conduct and document post-admission evaluations for Medicare patients admitted to an IRF. The post-admission evaluation covers much of the same information as continues to be included in the pre-admission screening of the patient and the patient’s plan of care. This reduction in burden gives more time for physicians to take care of patients." Find more information here.

 

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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