APTA is working with Congress to ensure physical therapists' priorities and needs are met in any health care reform legislation. APTA isn't in the business of shaping the overall health care system. Our goal is to see that the profession has what it needs to provide the best possible care to its patients. APTA staff is in constant contact with members of Congress and their staff, along with many administration officials.

We have regular meetings and phone calls with them to make sure they are aware of the needs of the PT profession. APTA is also a member of several health care coalitions that are deeply involved in the health care reform debate.

Negotiations Begin on Final Health Care Reform Proposals Although Congress remains on recess, House and Senate leaders began negotiations on final health care legislation this week. Rather than merge the Senate's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) with the House's Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) in a conference committee, it is more likely that the chambers will "ping-pong" the Senate bill to the House for amendments and then back to the Senate for final approval. Hear more about this process and the major issues that still must be resolved in this weeks podcast

APTA has prepared a one-page  quick reference on Medicare policy updates and health reform legislation to help association members keep up to date  on the therapy cap exceptions process, fee schedule cuts, and health care reform proposals. The document will be updated as new information becomes available. For in-depth bill summaries, podcasts, and APTA letters and statements on health care reform, visit www.apta.org/healthcarereform.