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There is a bi-partisan bill in congress known as the HR 2619 bill. For those not familiar with ‘bi-partisan,’ it means that a bill has been sent to congress and it has both (bi) Democrat and Republican support. So what’s so significant about this bill? This bill will help ensure that patient’s receive competent care by competent therapists. How?
There is a bi-partisan bill in congress known as the HR 2619 bill. For those not familiar with ‘bi-partisan,’ it means that a bill has been sent to congress and it has both (bi) Democrat and Republican support. So what’s so significant about this bill? This bill will help ensure that patient’s receive competent care by competent therapists. How?
The bill is seeking to add coverage of pulmonary management education
and training when done by a qualified respiratory therapist under the
supervision of a practicing physician. In other words, Medicare patients will
be covered when they seek education and training by qualified respiratory therapists.
In other words, qualified respiratory therapists will finally be reimbursed for
these services. In other words, respiratory therapists will be more marketable.
Need some examples of what may be covered? Observing and teaching MDI
techniques, educating the importance of proper medication use, recommending flu
and pneumonia vaccines, developing action plans, education on oxygen systems,
education on pulse ox monitoring, etc. These probably are things you already
do, but are not reimbursed for. This is a big incentive because the bill will
take the guesswork out of whether the physician will get paid for the RT services.
To qualify, the RT must hold a “registered” credential and
have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree in a health
science field appropriate to the services RTs provide. RTs can be part-time or
full-time employees of the physician practice or be contracted to provide the
services. They will not, however, be able to start their own independent
practice.[1]
What if you don’t have a “registered” credential or a
bachelor’s degree? You are still qualified to support this bill! The bill
positively impacts the entire profession. Please help in making this happen!
How can you support the bill? The AARC has made the process
very easy. If you are a respiratory therapist, click on this link http://capwiz.com/aarc/issues/alert/?alertid=62340161.
This will compose a message to your U.S. Senators and U.S. House
Representative. The wording of the email has already been written. All you have
to do is type your name, email, home address, and hit send. That’s it!
If you are a student respiratory therapist, you can click on
this link http://capwiz.com/aarc/issues/alert/?alertid=62340241.
This will compose a message to your U.S. Senators and U.S. House
Representative. The wording of the email has already been written. All you have
to do is type your name, email, home address, and hit send. That’s it!
What are you waiting for? Do it!
