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H.R. 1137, The Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009 (5 comments ↓)
H.R. 1137 would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide improved access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services under part B of the Medicare Program.
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Pam
March 20, 2009, 5:05pm (report abuse)Every active person should have equal access to Athletic Training services that are currently being denied by major insurance companies due to Medicare restrictions. This bill would close many gaps in our current healthcare system when it comes to physical medicine. This utilizes highly qualified medical professional (Athletic Trainers) to provide care to the active population who otherwise could not afford care, did not previously have access was forced to seek inadequate alternate options. This bill would add jobs, increase salaries for those already in the field, and improve that active lives of Americans who use insurance for their medical needs.
Esther
April 19, 2009, 5:48pm (report abuse)I support this bill as long as the athletic trainers are only treating ORTHOPEDIC injuries. They are not, however, trained in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases, CVAs, SCIs, vestibular and balance disorders, DM management, wound care, etc... these are specialties treated by physical therapists, who hold either a Master's or Doctoral degree.
Sharon Barlow
May 10, 2009, 11:57pm (report abuse)I am a PT and very much in support of this bill and Athletic Trainers having equal access to insurance reimbursement. It will only add value to the field of orthopedic rehabilitation.
Bryon Ramos
July 28, 2009, 2:50pm (report abuse)Disclaimer: I am a Certified Athletic Trainer.
I support this bill without reservation. I agree with Esther, and do not believe this would be an issue as physician's would not refer such cases to ATs; and any responsible AT would not attempt to provide care to such patients. I am also pleased to see that Sharon, as a PT, is not paranoid about the "eminent doom" of her profession and livelihood if this bill passes. ATs and PTs working together within the health care system would greatly benefit the patient population by providing top notch comprehensive care.
jjkuck
September 16, 2009, 11:06am (report abuse)I am not totally in favor of the bill. I feel the term "physical therapy" is much too broad. By opening up "physical therapy" to ATs we are undercutting a PT skills and training. There is a large discrepancy in education and training between ATs and PTs; ATs, in general, have 4 year degrees, PTs currently graduating have 7 years (DPT). While I do think ATs are qualified to rehab orthopeadic injuries, I feel they lack the training to complete PT diagnosis and/or other skilled PT intervention.