EMG AND MSKUS LAWS FOR LOUISIANA
Date: Wed, May 31, 2017 at 1:36 PM
Subject: BREAKING NEWS: LA STATE GIVES FULL AUTHORITY TO PTs FOR MSKUS
Hello to all
Great News! The efforts of HODS, our HODS partner Brian Cochran from the state of LA and the LA PT association have scored big!
LA PT Board has given full authority to PTs to perform MSKUS: “The use of diagnostic ultrasound by physical therapists can be traced back to the 1960s, where it was used to guide rehabilitation decision making in physical therapy practice. The practice act clearly provides for the use of ultrasound in physical therapy practice.”
Obviously, Brian did not necessarily need this determination as he could still perform and bill for the testing under the general guidance of his scope of practice but having this awesome decision on our side is even better
Great Job Brian!
Cheers
Dimitrios Kostopoulos, DPT, MD, PhD, DSc, ECS
ABPTS Board Certified in EMG/NCS Testing
Many physical therapists think that they can not perform and get reimbursed for diagnostics tests. To address this question with facts, we are providing below excerpts of your State’s Practice Act and using Medicare as an example, show you possible reimbursements for four diagnostic tests.
If this piques your curiosity and you would like to discuss how you could implement diagnostics into your practice and start getting reimbursed quickly, please set an appointment. This is about a business opportunity, not just CEU courses.
The Physical Therapy Practice Act of the State of Louisiana defines Physical Therapy as:
“Practice of physical therapy” is the health care profession practiced by a physical therapist licensed under this Chapter and means the holding out of one’s self to the public as a physical therapist and as being engaged in the business of, or the actual engagement in, the evaluation and treatment of any physical or medical condition to restore normal function of the neuromuscular and skeletal system, to relieve pain, or to prevent disability by use of physical or mechanical means, including therapeutic exercise, mobilization, passive manipulation, therapeutic modalities, and activities or devices for preventative, therapeutic, or medical purposes, and further shall include physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, instruction, consultative services, and the supervision of physical therapy supportive personnel, including physical therapist assistants.
EMG/NCS Testing uses electricity and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound uses sound waves for the evaluation (testing and measurement) of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.
APTA fully supports PTs practicing EMG/NCS Testing as it is within the scope of Physical Therapy Practice. The Orthopedic Section of the APTA in a white paper not only advocates the use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging within the scope of practice for Physical Therapy but also endorses its application both for diagnostic as well as procedural purposes to aid neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, and electroneuromyography.
Find here information about Direct Access to Physical Therapy in your state.
Here is an example of a 2016 Medicare fee schedule for a variety of diagnostic testing for a selection of CPT codes and corresponding number of units. Insurances usually pay a multiple or a percentage of the medicare fee schedule*.
call 888-447-6014 ext 1 and we will help you calculate the possible:
- Total Reimbursement Patient & ROI (Return On Investment) For You!
- How You Can Get Started Being Reimbursed for Diagnostics NOW
*This fee schedule was taken from the website of your regional Medicare Intermediary’s site around Sept. 2016 without modifier. Click here to view a Medicare Intermediary for your state. This fee schedule does not necessarily represent the exact amount of reimbursement you will receive as billing patterns and code selection varies. Please feel free to verify the current figures.”
