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ATTENTION: We need your help to support this bill!

Legislation has been introduced to postpone the 15% reimbursement cuts to PTA and OTA treatments. Please help us to support this bill.

Dear Partners and Friends,

Please take a few minutes to read the below message from NASL regarding the new legislation that has been introduced in the US House. We need everyone to support this bill in order to postpone the 15% reduction in reimbursement for Med B services provided by PTAs and OTAs. This cut is set to happen on 1/1/2022. If this legislation is passed, it will delay this cut until 1/1/2023. Additionally, this bill allows for rural and underserved areas to be exempt from these cuts once they are implemented.

As skilled nursing operators and professionals, I urge each of you to take a few minutes to read the letter, make any additional edits/comments, and submit it to your personal representative. Spending a few minutes of your time could result in a very positive impact for our patients, as well as our industry. Your action is extremely time-sensitive because if this bill does not have enough support, it will not move on.

From NASL: Click here to access the letter and the ability to submit directly to your representative.

The time for advocacy on this issue is now as there is not much time left on the legislative calendar for Congress to act before this policy is implemented on January 1, 2022. NASL has prepared a letter for you to email to your respective House members urging them to cosponsor the Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy (SMART) Act of 2021 (H.R.5536) and asking them to add the bipartisan legislation to any legislative packages moving before the end of the year.

Use the link above or visit https://app.govpredict.com/gr/m5bwzm-u to access and send this email in under two minutes.

Thank you for your time and effort to support this bill!

Sincerely,

Cassie Murray, President

 

Cassie Murray, OTR, MBA, QCP

President of HTS

Healthcare Therapy Services, Inc.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to fracture.

Facts:
1 in 2 Women Over 50 Will Fracture a Bone Because of Osteoporosis
1 in 4 Men Over 50 Will Fracture a Bone Because of Osteoporosis

How Do We Prevent It?
You can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen your bones by following these health habits…

  • Eat Foods Rich in Calcium & Vitamin D. Calcium improves bone strength and vitamin D helps bones absorb calcium.
    • Calcium: 1,200 mg per day = 2 glasses of milk or 1 yogurt or 2 oz. of cheese per day
    • Vitamin D: 1, 000 IU per day = 7 oz of salmon or 9 oz of tuna or 2 glasses of milk
  • Exercise can strengthen your bones and prevent fractures. To increase bone mass and density, focus on weight-bearing exercises and strength training.
    • Aerobic Exercises: brisk walking, climbing stairs, dancing, hiking, step aerobics, tennis
    • Resistance Exercises: elastic exercise bands, free weights, weight machines
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. Avoid smoking as it can interfere with proper calcium absorption and limit alcoholic beverages as it reduces your blood serum calcium level.

How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy is an effective, non-surgical treatment for osteoporosis that may help restore healthy movement, function, and bone strength. Physical and Occupational Therapy can help teach you exercises to promote bone health, build bone mass, and ways to manage your daily activities so you’ll reduce your risk of having an osteoporosis-related fracture.