Ron, Here is a blurb about the issue that will be in Monday's Scope report re: the low vision issue. In terms of driving, yes, getting payment is key.
Low Vision Services Protected by AOTA The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) recently wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing serious concerns about the content and design of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Demonstration as recently proposed. For the demonstration description see CMS Pub. 100-19 at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/pm_trans/R23DEMO.pdf The demonstration flows from legislation proposed several years ago by Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) and Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) to expand coverage under Medicare to low vision specialists. AOTA worked hard to assure that this legislation did no harm to occupational therapy practitioners or beneficiaries. The legislation did not pass but the demonstration was authorized in the 2004 appropriations bill.. AOTA's comments were focused on urging CMS to assure that this demonstration does not compromise the benefits to Medicare patients under existing coverage of occupational therapy. In addition, there is confusing and sometimes contradictory language throughout the transmittal, as well as artificial parameters which AOTA believes will make valid analysis difficult, if not impossible. The demonstration, basically, will allow low vision specialists, orientation and mobility specialists and rehabilitation teachers to work incident to a physician yet practice beyond current limits by allowing them to provide services under general supervision instead of the current requirement of on-site supervision. The demonstration also allows these individuals to provide services through clinics. The services they would be billing are classified as occupational therapy and physical therapy under the Medicare program. AOTA's comments were targeted to assuring protection for occupational therapy's current coverage criteria-which allow for rehabilitation to address visual limitations-and to assure that the demonstration did not compromise quality care. For a copy of the letter, check the AOTA website Newsroom under "Statements." >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 7/13/2005 12:56:42 PM >>> Well, while visiting CMS' web site, I noticed a document about OT and low vision rehab. I thought, wow, this is something I could/should be doing in my practice. I want to know about marketing strategies... On a second note, CMS is doing a 5-year pilot of low vision rehab. I can't figure out why AOTA isn't really hyping this up. This seems like a great opportunity for OT to possibly really shine! I know that AOTA is big on driver rehab, and while not wanting to take away from that initiative, it is NOT currently reimbursable by Medicare. Chuck, what are your feelings? Thanks, Ron ----- Original Message ----- From: Jimmie Arceneaux <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Low Vision Rehab JA> Hey Ron, JA> I have been adding low vision interventions to my practice for JA> about 3 years. In fact, I started and did the training for a low JA> vision program at the home care agency I work. JA> Why are you asking? JA> Jimmie JA> -----Original Message----- JA> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] JA> Behalf Of Ron Carson JA> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:31 AM JA> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] JA> Subject: [OTlist] Low Vision Rehab JA> Hello: JA> Is anyone doing low vision rehab? JA> Thanks, JA> Ron JA> -- JA> Unsubscribe? JA> [EMAIL PROTECTED] JA> Change options? JA> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com JA> Archive? JA> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] JA> Help? JA> [EMAIL PROTECTED] JA> *** NOTICE--The attached communication contains privileged and JA> confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, DO JA> NOT read, copy, or disseminate this communication. Non-intended JA> recipients are hereby placed on notice that any unauthorized JA> disclosure, duplication, distribution, or taking of any action in JA> reliance on the contents of these materials is expressly prohibited. JA> If you have received this communication in error, please delete this JA> information in its entirety and contact the Amedisys Privacy Hotline JA> at 1-866-518-6684. Also, please immediately notify the sender via JA> e-mail that you have received this communication in error. *** JA> -- JA> Unsubscribe? JA> [EMAIL PROTECTED] JA> Change options? JA> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com JA> Archive? JA> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] JA> Help? JA> [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
